---
title: "compare(_:)"
framework: appkit
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: "appkit/nscell/compare(_:)"
---

# compare(_:)

Compares the string values of the receiver another cell, disregarding case.

## Declaration

```swift
func compare(_ otherCell: Any) -> ComparisonResult
```

## Parameters

- `otherCell`: The cell to compare against the receiver. This parameter must be of type NSCell; if it is not, this method raises NSBadComparisonException. This value must not be nil. If the value is nil, the behavior is undefined and may change in future versions of macOS.

## Return Value

Return Value NSOrderedAscending if the string value of the receiver precedes the string value of otherCell in lexical ordering, NSOrderedSame if the string values are equivalent in lexical value, and NSOrderedDescending string value of the receiver follows the string value of otherCell in lexical ordering.