Enumeration in Python

Enumeration in Python (Enum) is a data type that allows you to define a set of symbolic names bound to unique constant values.

• It is typically used to represent a fixed set of related constants, such as days of the week, directions, colors, or states.

• Python provides the enum module to support enumerations.

Syntax and Example:

from enum import Enum

class Color(Enum):
    RED = 1
    GREEN = 2
    BLUE = 3

# Accessing Enum members
print(Color.RED)         # Output: Color.RED
print(Color.RED.name)    # Output: RED
print(Color.RED.value)   # Output: 1

Key Features of Enum:

• Symbolic Names: Enum members have meaningful names like RED, GREEN, etc.
• Constant Values: Each member is associated with a constant value.
• Type-Safe: Prevents invalid or unexpected values.
• Readable: Improves readability and intent in the code.

Why Use Enum?

• Improves Code Readability: Replaces ambiguous constants like 1, 2, 3 with descriptive names like Color.RED.

• Better Maintenance: Makes code easier to maintain by clearly listing all valid values.

• Prevents Errors: Restricts values to a predefined set, reducing bugs from invalid input.

• Enforces Valid Choices: Useful in situations where only certain options are valid (e.g., status codes, directions, modes).