Enum in C

The enumeration, often referred to as an enum, is a user-defined data type that consists of a set of named integer constants. Enumerations provide a way to define a list of named values, which makes the code more readable and maintainable.

Here’s how you can declare and use an enum in C:

#include <stdio.h>

// Declaration of an enumeration type named Color
enum Color {
    RED,    // 0
    GREEN,  // 1
    BLUE    // 2
};

int main() {
    // Declaring variables of the enum type
    enum Color myColor = GREEN;
    enum Color anotherColor = BLUE;

    // Using enum values
    printf("My favorite color is %d\n", myColor); // Prints 1
    printf("Another color is %d\n", anotherColor); // Prints 2

    return 0;
}

In this example:

• We define an enumeration type called Color using the enum keyword.
• Inside the enum Color block, we list the possible values (constants): RED, GREEN, and BLUE. By default, RED is assigned the value 0, GREEN is assigned 1, and BLUE is assigned 2. You can specify explicit values if needed (e.g., RED = 5).
• In the main function, we declare variables of the enum Color type and assign them values.
• We then print the values of these variables, which will display the corresponding integer values of the enum constants.

Enumerations are often used in C to define a set of related named constants, improving code readability and maintainability. They are especially useful when you want to work with a limited set of options or states in your program.