What does enum mean Meaning and Definition
What does enum mean
Pronunciation
/ˈɛnəm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
What does enum mean: In computer programming, an enum (short for “enumeration”) is a value type that represents a constant whose value is determined by an enumeration. It’s a data type consisting of a set of named values. Enums are used to represent a fixed, named value that is defined within the program.
Examples
- enum Days { Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday };
- enum Colors { Red, Green, Blue };
Synonyms
- Enumeration
- SetValue
Antonyms
- Randon
- Variable
Etymology
The term “enum” comes from the Latin word “enum”, which means “to name” or “to enumerate”. The concept of enums has evolved over time, and the term “enum” was first used in programming in the early 1970s.
Usage Notes
Enums are widely used in programming, especially in object-oriented languages such as C++, Java, and C#. They are often used to represent a set of named values in a program, such as days of the week, colors, or error codes. Enums can be used as arguments, function returns, or member variables.
Cultural References
Enums are not typically referenced in popular culture, as they are a programming concept. However, they are used extensively in various programming contexts, including mobile app development, web development, and game development.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Enum it” – a common phrase used in programming to enumerating all the named values in a program.
Related Words or Phrases
Class
Enums are often associated with classes, which are user-defined data types that encapsulate both data and functions that operate on that data.
Value Type
Enums are a type of value type, which is a data type that represents a set of named values.
Collocations
- Enums are often used with classes.
- Enums are used with value types.
- Enums are typically used in programming languages.
Colloquialisms and Collocations
- There are instances where enum or enumeration is replaced with another synonym.
Idioms that include enum
- Enum it out – The concept was being iterated across multiple places and this was used to reference it for consistency across all forms.
Collocations that include enum
- enum of colors and enum for days
Frequency of Use
Enums are widely used in programming, and their frequency of use is increasing as more companies shift towards digital technologies.
Common Misspellings and Variations
The most common misspellings are e-num, enu, and enum. However, “enum” is widely used in programming communities and is considered the standard spelling.