Enums

An enum represents a fixed list of constants.

Instead of using strings or numbers, enums make your code easier to read and less error-prone.

Creating an Enum

public enum Alliance {
    RED,
    BLUE
}

Using an Enum

Alliance alliance = Alliance.RED;

switch Statements

Enums work well with switch.

switch (alliance) {
    case RED:
        System.out.println("Red");
        break;

    case BLUE:
        System.out.println("Blue");
        break;
}

FTC Example

Enums are commonly used for robot states.

public enum IntakeState {
    INTAKING,
    HOLDING,
    OUTTAKING,
    STOPPED
}

IntakeState state = IntakeState.INTAKING;

This is much clearer than using numbers like 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Key Takeaways

• Enums define a fixed set of values.
• They improve readability.
• They reduce bugs caused by invalid values.
• They work especially well with switch statements.