How to use Java enums in switch statements

Enum (enumeration class)

An enum class is a special class used to represent a group of constants.

It can be declared using the enum keyword, as shown below:

enum Skill {
    BEGINNER,
    INTERMEDIATE, 
    PROFICIENT,
    EXPERT
}
  • enum constants are public, static, and final by default.
  • enum constants are accessed using dot syntax.
  • An enum class can have attributes and methods, in addition to constants.
  • You cannot create objects of an enum class, and it cannot extend other classes.
  • An enum class can only implement interfaces.

Enums in switch case

Enums can be used in a switch-case statement, as shown below:

public class Main { 
  enum Skill {
    BEGINNER,
    INTERMEDIATE, 
    PROFICIENT,
    EXPERT
  }
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    Skill mySkill = Skill.INTERMEDIATE;
    switch(mySkill) {
      case BEGINNER:
        System.out.println("Beginner");
        break;
      case INTERMEDIATE:
         System.out.println("Intermediate");
        break;
      case PROFICIENT:
        System.out.println("Proficient");
        break;
      case EXPERT:
        System.out.println("Expert");
    }
  }
}

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