This function returns a result that represents how container a$$ compares to container b$$. If the result& is zero, the containers are identical. A negative result (-n&) provides the character position at which container a$$ was found to be less than container b$$. A positive result give the character position where container a$$ became greater than container b$$.
Result
Indicates
Negative
container a$$ < container b$$
Zero
container a$$ = container b$$
Positive
container a$$ > container b$$
Note:
With this function, containers are evaluated by ASCII (not numeric) values.