C# Enum (Enumeration)

C# Enum (Enumeration)

Enum in C# is a special data type that allows you to define a set of named constants.
It improves code readability and maintains a collection of related constants.

 Syntax

Basic Example

By default, enums start from 0. You can cast them to int.

Assigning Custom Values

Using Enums in Switch

Enum with Different Underlying Type

You can specify the underlying type of enum:

Supported types: byte, sbyte, short, ushort, int, uint, long, ulong

Advantages of Enum

✔ Makes code more readable
✔ Prevents using magic numbers
✔ Helps maintain constants in one place
✔ Works with switch statements

Common Mistakes

❌ Assigning same value unintentionally
❌ Using enum as string directly without conversion
❌ Forgetting underlying type for large numbers

Summary

• Enum = named constants

• Default values start at 0, can assign custom values

• Can specify underlying data type

• Improves code readability and maintainability