# `GSLayer compareString`

*Instance Method*

A signature describing the interpolation-relevant structure of the layer.

## Declaration

```swift
func compareString() -> String
```

```objc
- (NSString *) compareString;
```

```python
compareString() -> str
```

## Discussion

Equal signatures indicate compatible shape structures, anchor names, and path-component hints. Positions and other geometric values are not represented.

## See Also

### Equality and Comparison

- [`GSLayer isEqualToLayer:`](/Core/GlyphsCore/GSLayer/isEqualToLayer:) — Whether another layer has equal metrics, attributes, shapes, anchors, hints, guides, and background content.
- [`GSLayer compareStringOptions:`](/Core/GlyphsCore/GSLayer/compareStringOptions:) — A signature describing selected parts of the interpolation-relevant structure.
- [`GSLayer compareParticlesOptions:`](/Core/GlyphsCore/GSLayer/compareParticlesOptions:) — The individual parts that form a structural compatibility signature.