Java Enum
Java Enums are a special kind of class used to define a fixed set of constants. They are particularly useful for representing a collection of related constants such as days of the week, states, directions, and so on. Enums provide a type-safe way to define and work with these constants, avoiding many issues associated with traditional constant definitions using public static final
.
Basic Enum Usage
Defining a simple enum Day
representing the days of the week:
1 | public enum Day { |
Using the enum:
1 | public class EnumExample { |
Enums with Constructors and Fields
Enums can have fields, constructors, and methods. For example, defining an enum with color names and their RGB values:
1 | public enum Color { |
Using the enum with fields:
1 | public class EnumExample { |
Methods in Enums
Enums can also have methods, including overriding the toString
method. For example:
1 | public enum Operation { |
Using the enum with methods:
1 | public class EnumExample { |
Explanation
- Defining and Using Simple Enums: Use the
enum
keyword to define a set of related constants, commonly used for fixed sets of values. - Enums with Fields and Methods: Enums can include fields, constructors, and methods, allowing for more complex definitions and operations similar to classes.
- Overriding Methods: Enums can define and override methods, enabling each enum instance to have different behaviors.
Enums provide a type-safe way to define constants and organize related data and behavior, making code clearer and easier to maintain.