What are the differences between enumerations and constants in C#?

What are the differences between enumerations and constants in C#?

In C#, enumerations (enums) are a distinct type that consists of a set of named constants. They are used to define a variable that can hold a set of predefined values, making the code more readable. Constants, on the other hand, are immutable values that are defined at compile time and cannot be changed during runtime.

Can you give me an example of how to use enums in C#?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

enum Days { Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday }

Days today = Days.Monday;
Console.WriteLine(today); // Output: Monday

What about constants? How do they work?

Constants in C# are declared using the const keyword. For example:

const int MaxUsers = 100;
Console.WriteLine(MaxUsers); // Output: 100

Constants are useful for defining values that should not change throughout the program.

When should I use enums instead of constants?

Use enums when you have a set of related constants that represent a category or a group of values. They improve code readability and type safety. Use constants for single values that do not belong to a group.