Bits of .NET

📋 Enum = Set of Named Constants

Magic numbers are bad. Enums give names to numbers. Readable code, type safety, IntelliSense.

🎯 Enum Usage

public enum OrderStatus
{
    Pending,
    Processing,
    Shipped,
    Delivered,
    Cancelled
}

public enum UserRole
{
    Guest,
    User,
    Moderator,
    Admin,
    SuperAdmin
}

// With custom values
public enum Priority
{
    Low = 1,
    Medium = 5,
    High = 10,
    Critical = 20
}

// With flags (bitwise)
[Flags]
public enum Permissions
{
    None = 0,
    Read = 1,
    Write = 2,
    Delete = 4,
    Admin = Read | Write | Delete  // 7
}

// Usage
var status = OrderStatus.Pending;
if (status == OrderStatus.Shipped) { }

// Switch
switch (status)
{
    case OrderStatus.Pending: break;
    case OrderStatus.Shipped: break;
}

// Convert
int value = (int)OrderStatus.Shipped;
OrderStatus status = (OrderStatus)2;

// Get names
string name = Enum.GetName(typeof(OrderStatus), 2);
string[] names = Enum.GetNames(typeof(OrderStatus));

// Parse
OrderStatus parsed = Enum.Parse("Shipped");

💡 Best Practices

• Use enums for fixed sets of values (days, statuses, roles)
• Use PascalCase for enum names
• Use [Flags] for bitwise combinations
• Avoid enums with large values
• Consider using records for more complex enums