Introduction to Enums in Python Enums (short for Enumerations) in Python provide a way to define a set of named constant values that remain unchanged throughout a program. They make code more readable, maintainable, and less error-prone by eliminating the need for magic numbers or hardcoded values. Python introduced the enum module in Python 3.4, allowing developers to create and use enumerations efficiently. Why Use Enums? Enums are useful in various scenarios: Code Readability: Named constants improve clarity. Error Prevention: Prevents accidental modification of values. Grouping Constants: Organizes related values together. Type Safety: Restricts a variable to predefined values. Properties of Enums in Python Enums in Python have unique characteristics that make them useful in various applications: Uniqueness – Each enum member has a distinct value and name. Immutable – Enum values cannot be changed after assignment. Type-Safety – Prevents invalid values from being used. Ordered – Enum members retain their defined order. Supports Iteration – Enums can be looped over easily. Comparison Support – Enums support identity (is) and equality (==) comparisons. Namespace Containment – Enum members are grouped within a class. Advantages of Using Enums Improves Readability – Named constants are easier to understand than magic numbers. Enhances Maintainability – Reduces the chances of using incorrect or inconsistent values. Prevents Accidental Modification – Once defined, enum members cannot be altered. Better Debugging – Using meaningful names simplifies troubleshooting. Supports Iteration and Membership Checks – Makes it easy to loop through members or check if a value is valid. Disadvantages of Using Enums Slightly More Overhead – Enums add a small performance cost compared to plain constants. Learning Curve – Beginners might find Enums complex initially. Limited Modification – Once defined, members cannot be changed dynamically. Can Be Overkill – For simple constants, Enums might be unnecessary. Creating an Enum in Python To define an enumeration, we use the Enum class from the enum module. Example 1: Basic Enum from enum import Enum class Color(Enum): RED = 1 GREEN = 2 BLUE = 3 print(Color.RED) print(Color.RED.value) print(Color.GREEN.name) Output! Explanation: The Color class inherits from Enum, making it an enumeration. Each member of Color is assigned a unique value. .value retrieves the associated value, while .name gets the member’s name. Accessing Enum Members We can access enum members using their name or value. print(Color(1)) print(Color['GREEN']) Output! Iterating Over Enum Members
