C# Enums

Named constants.

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An enum defines a group of named constants: enum Level { Low, Medium, High }.

Convert to text with ToString(), parse with Enum.Parse<Level>("High").
Enums work nicely with switch.
The underlying value is an int starting at 0 unless you assign values.

Key Takeaways: C# Enums

Mastering C# Enums helps you write clean and reliable C# code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.

C# Enums Code Example

var status = OrderStatus.Shipped;
Console.WriteLine(status);
Console.WriteLine((int) status);

string message = status switch
{
    OrderStatus.Pending => "Waiting for payment",
    OrderStatus.Shipped => "On the way",
    OrderStatus.Delivered => "Delivered!",
    _ => "Unknown"
};
Console.WriteLine(message);
Console.WriteLine(Enum.Parse<OrderStatus>("Delivered") == OrderStatus.Delivered);

enum OrderStatus { Pending = 1, Shipped, Delivered }

Output

Shipped
2
On the way
True

Run this example on your own computer. The "Get Started" lesson shows how to set it up.

C# Enums Practice Exercises

Check what you learned in “C# Enums”.

/ 2 solved

Fill in the blank

Parse text into an enum value.

var s = Enum.<OrderStatus>("Delivered");

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

Multiple choice

What is the underlying type of an enum by default?

int string byte double

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

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C# Enums

💡 Key Takeaways: C# Enums

C# Enums Code Example

C# Enums Practice Exercises

Key Takeaways: C# Enums