+++ slug = "enums" title = "Enums" section = "Types" summary = "Enum defines symbolic names for a fixed set of values." doc_path = "/library/enum.html" see_also = [ "literals", "classes", "literal-and-final", ] +++

Enum defines a fixed set of named values. This makes states and modes easier to read than raw strings scattered through a program.

Each enum member has a name and a value. Comparing enum members is explicit and helps avoid typos that plain strings would allow.

Use enums when a value must be one of a small known set: statuses, modes, directions, roles, and similar choices.

:::program

from enum import Enum

class Status(Enum):
    PENDING = "pending"
    DONE = "done"

current = Status.PENDING
print(current.name)
print(current.value)
print(current is Status.PENDING)
print(current == "pending")

:::

:::cell An enum member has a symbolic name and an underlying value. The symbolic name is what readers usually care about in code.

from enum import Enum

class Status(Enum):
    PENDING = "pending"
    DONE = "done"

current = Status.PENDING
print(current.name)
print(current.value)

PENDING
pending

:::

:::cell Compare enum members with enum members, not with raw strings. This keeps the set of valid states explicit.

print(current is Status.PENDING)
print(current == "pending")

True
False

:::

:::note

• Enums make states and choices explicit.
• Members have names and values.
• Comparing enum members avoids string typo bugs.
• Prefer raw strings for open-ended text; prefer enums for a closed set of named choices. :::