What are the differences between enums and constants in Java?

What are the differences between enums and constants in Java?

In Java, constants are typically defined using the final keyword, while enums are a special type that represents a fixed set of constants. Enums provide more functionality, such as methods and fields.

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

Sure! Here's a simple example:

public enum Day {
    SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY
}

You can use it like this:

Day today = Day.MONDAY;

What are the advantages of using enums over constants?

Enums provide type safety, better organization, and the ability to add methods and fields, making them more versatile than simple constants.

Are there any performance differences between using enums and constants?

Generally, enums may have a slight overhead due to their object-oriented nature, but the difference is negligible for most applications. The benefits of using enums often outweigh the performance concerns.