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C++ Structures and Enumerations

bookDefining and Using Enums

Note
Definition

An enum in C++ is a user-defined type that assigns names to integer constants, making code more readable and meaningful.

Enumerations are useful when you need to represent a fixed set of related values, such as directions, days, or states. By using named constants instead of raw numbers, you make your code easier to understand and maintain. Enums are declared with the enum keyword, followed by a name and a list of values inside curly braces.

main.cpp

main.cpp

copy

              
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#include <iostream>

enum Color {
    Red,
    Green,
    Blue
};

int main()
{
    Color favorite = Green;

    if (favorite == Green)
        std::cout << "Your favorite color is Green." << std::endl;
    else
        std::cout << "Your favorite color is not Green." << std::endl;

    // Assigning another value
    favorite = Blue;
    if (favorite == Blue)
        std::cout << "Now your favorite color is Blue." << std::endl;
}

Using enums in your code makes it much clearer what values are valid for a particular variable:

  • Enums restrict variables to a defined set of named options;
  • You avoid assigning plain integers, which could be set to any value;
  • This reduces the risk of bugs caused by invalid values;
  • Code readability is improved, because you see descriptive names instead of numbers.

It is much easier to understand favorite = Green; than favorite = 1; when reading or debugging your programs.

question mark

Which statement best describes the purpose of an enum in C++

Select the correct answer

Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

SectionΒ 3. ChapterΒ 1

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bookDefining and Using Enums

Swipe to show menu

Note
Definition

An enum in C++ is a user-defined type that assigns names to integer constants, making code more readable and meaningful.

Enumerations are useful when you need to represent a fixed set of related values, such as directions, days, or states. By using named constants instead of raw numbers, you make your code easier to understand and maintain. Enums are declared with the enum keyword, followed by a name and a list of values inside curly braces.

main.cpp

main.cpp

copy

              
12345678910111213141516171819202122

            
#include <iostream>

enum Color {
    Red,
    Green,
    Blue
};

int main()
{
    Color favorite = Green;

    if (favorite == Green)
        std::cout << "Your favorite color is Green." << std::endl;
    else
        std::cout << "Your favorite color is not Green." << std::endl;

    // Assigning another value
    favorite = Blue;
    if (favorite == Blue)
        std::cout << "Now your favorite color is Blue." << std::endl;
}

Using enums in your code makes it much clearer what values are valid for a particular variable:

  • Enums restrict variables to a defined set of named options;
  • You avoid assigning plain integers, which could be set to any value;
  • This reduces the risk of bugs caused by invalid values;
  • Code readability is improved, because you see descriptive names instead of numbers.

It is much easier to understand favorite = Green; than favorite = 1; when reading or debugging your programs.

question mark

Which statement best describes the purpose of an enum in C++

Select the correct answer

Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

SectionΒ 3. ChapterΒ 1
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