To override the equals method in Java, follow these steps:
1. Use the @Override annotation to indicate the method is being overridden.
2. Ensure the method signature matches public boolean equals(Object obj).
3. Check if the passed object is the same instance using this == obj.
4. Verify the object is not null and belongs to the same class using instanceof.
5. Cast the object to your class type.
6. Compare the relevant fields for equality using Objects.equals() or appropriate logic.
Example:
@Override
public boolean equals(Object obj) {
if (this == obj) return true;
if (obj == null || getClass() != obj.getClass()) return false;
MyClass other = (MyClass) obj;
return Objects.equals(field1, other.field1);
}