An enum (enumeration) is a data type that consists of a set of named values. Enums provide type safety and make code more readable by using meaningful names instead of magic numbers or strings.

Enum Glossary & FAQ - Complete Reference Guide

Core Definitions

What does enum mean?

Enum (Enumeration) is an abbreviation for "enumeration", used to represent a finite set of named constants. Compared to directly using numbers or strings, enums provide type safety, code hints, and clearer semantics.

Why use enums?

✔ Limit value ranges, reduce invalid input.
✔ Provide autocomplete and clearer code semantics.
✔ Easy to maintain consistency with databases, APIs, and documentation.

what is enum in java?

Java enums are special classes that can contain fields, constructors, and methods, used to express fixed sets and provide type safety.

what is enum in c?

C enums are named integer constant collections, mainly used to replace `#define` constants, improving readability.

what is enum in c++?

C++ provides traditional enums and `enum class`, the latter having better type safety.

what is enum in sql?

SQL enums depend on the database. PostgreSQL/MySQL have native support, other databases implement via constraints.

Cross-Language Overview

Language	Keyword Signals	Highlights
Python	enum module	Use `Enum`, `IntEnum`, `StrEnum`, supports serialization and Pydantic.
Java	java enum, java enum constructor, java enum valueOf	Enums are classes, can define fields and methods, supports switch.
C#	c# enum string, enum tryparse, c# enum flags	Provides rich features like Flags, reflection, JSON serialization.
TypeScript	typescript enum, const enum, as const	Multiple options at runtime/compile-time, suitable for frontend/full-stack.

FAQ Summary

what is an enum?

An enum is a data type representing a finite set of named constants, commonly used for fixed sets like statuses and categories.

what are enum / what is a enum?

These questions are essentially the same: an enum is a syntax structure that helps programs restrict variable values, keeping code semantics clear.

what does the for index value in enum do python?

Python `Enum` defaults to using incrementing integers starting from 1 as values (or custom), `IntEnum` can be compared with integers. `auto()` provides auto-increment.

how to use enum?

Define an enum type, then use it in variables, function parameters, and configurations. Syntax varies slightly by language, see language-specific pages.

how to use enum in java / c / cpp?

This site provides dedicated pages for each language: Java supports class-style enums, C uses `typedef enum`, C++ recommends `enum class`.

what is enum type in java?

`enum` is a Java keyword, after compilation generates a class inheriting `java.lang.Enum`, each enum member is an instance of that class.

how to define enum java?

Use `public enum Name { VALUE1, VALUE2 }`, can add constructors and methods. See Java section for details.

how to setup enum table mysql?

Choose MySQL native `ENUM` or build a lookup table. We provide database guide pages.