Defining an enum of integer values in java

Question

I am trying to define an enum type with Integer values. I am trying to do this because I use this particular value in multiple places in my code and it can only be this. The code below does not work. I guess I am not supposed to use enum like this. Instead should I use a class and put the possible values in an array?

public enum Pitch {
    "60" , "62", "64", "65", "67", "69", "71", "72", "74";

}

Doesn't look like you need an enum here. What are you trying to achieve? Suppose this code works, how would you use it? — Maroun
– Maroun, Commented Dec 1, 2014 at 14:36
You should note that an enum is a class. Recommended reading: Oracle's tutorial about enum types. — RealSkeptic
– RealSkeptic, Commented Dec 1, 2014 at 14:48

xlecoustillier · Accepted Answer · 2014-12-01 14:39:20Z

3

I'm not sure enum is the best choice here, but you could try something like:

public enum Pitch {
    p60(60), p62(62), ...;

    private final int pitch;

    Pitch(int pitch) {
        this.pitch = pitch;
    }

    public int getValue() {
        return pitch;
    }
}

answered Dec 1, 2014 at 14:39

xlecoustillier

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3 Comments

Maroun Over a year ago

p60(60) is a sign that you don't need an enum.

Gimby Over a year ago

It is still a valid design if you want to have a finite number of possible values that can be used and have the compiler guard that for you.

xlecoustillier Over a year ago

I agree with you, but this remains a way of controlling the values that can be entered. That said, of course it would make more sense with more explicit names. Depends of what this pitch is about.

Stefan Winkler · Accepted Answer · 2014-12-01 16:52:49Z

1

You have to specify named LITERALS for enums.

What you can do is

public enum Pitch
{
    SOMENAME(60),
    SOMEOTHERNAME(62),
    // ...
    SOMELASTNAME(74);

    public final int value;

    public Pitch(int val)
    {
        this.value = val;
    }
 }

Then you can access your specific values by name and you can write

Pitch pitch = ...;
int pitchInt = pitch.value;

to work with the values.

edited Dec 1, 2014 at 16:52

answered Dec 1, 2014 at 14:39

Stefan Winkler

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Comments

TheSlater · Accepted Answer · 2014-12-01 14:46:21Z

0

If you like to access the values over an index, you should use an array like

String[] pitch = new String[] {
    "60" , "62", "64", "65", "67", "69", "71", "72", "74"
};

An enum is used to dont keep values in mind and give them names instead:

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

So you access the values over a name instead of an index.

answered Dec 1, 2014 at 14:46

TheSlater

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