}
    if (value < Character.MIN_VALUE) {
      return Character.MIN_VALUE;
    }
    return (char) value;
  }

  /**
   * Compares the two specified {@code char} values. The sign of the value returned is the same as
   * that of {@code ((Character) a).compareTo(b)}.
   *
   * <p><b>Java 7+ users:</b> this method should be treated as deprecated; use the equivalent {@link