Is null check needed before calling instanceof?

Question:

Is null check needed before calling instanceof?
Will null instanceof SomeClass return false or throw a NullPointerException?

Answer:

No, a null check is not needed before using instanceof. The expression x instanceof SomeClass is false if x is null.

Code:

public class NullClass {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    NullClass nc = null;
    if(nc instanceof NullClass){
      System.out.println("YES");
    } else {
      System.out.println("NO");
    }
  }
}

Output:

$ java NullClass 
NO