Enum Classes vs. Plain Enums in C : Why Choose Type Safety?

Enum Class: A Safeguarding for Enums in C

C provides two types of enums: enum classes and plain enums. However, enum classes stand out for their increased type safety. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ensuring reliable code.

Contrasting Enum Classes and Plain Enums

Unlike enum classes, plain enums allow for implicit conversions of enumerator values to integers and other types. This leads to potential pitfalls, such as unintentional mixing of enums or assigning incorrect values.

Example: Plain Enums

Consider the following code snippet:

enum Color { red, green, blue };
enum Card { red_card, green_card, yellow_card };
...
Card card = Card::green_card;
if (card == Color::red) // Issue: May lead to unexpected behavior
    cout << "Invalid comparison" << endl;

Here, comparing card with Color::red may result in unintentional behavior due to the implicit conversion of enumerator values to integers.

Advantage of Enum Classes

Enum classes resolve these issues by making enumerator names local to the enum. Values do not implicitly convert to other types, eliminating potential confusion or errors.

Example: Enum Classes

Rewriting the above code using enum classes:

enum class Color { red, green, blue };
enum class Card { red_card, green_card, yellow_card };
...
Card card = Card::green_card;
if (card == Color::red) // Error: Types do not match
    cout << "Invalid comparison" << endl;

In this case, the compiler flags the comparison as invalid, preventing unintentional misuse.

Conclusion

While both enum classes and plain enums have their place in C , it is generally recommended to use enum classes for improved type safety. By localizing enumerator names and preventing implicit conversions, enum classes reduce the risk of errors and ensure reliable code.

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