enumtype

An enumtype, or enumeration type, is a distinct data type that consists of a set of named integer constants. These constants are called enumerators. Enumtypes are used to define a type that has a limited, fixed set of possible values. This helps in creating more readable and maintainable code by representing a group of related constants with meaningful names instead of using raw integer values.

For example, in a programming language, you might define an enumtype for days of the week. Instead of using integers 0 through 6 to represent Sunday through Saturday, you could define an enumtype with enumerators like SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, and so on. This makes the code easier to understand, as it's clear what each value represents.

Enumtypes improve type safety. When a variable is declared as an enumtype, it can only hold one of the defined enumerators, preventing the assignment of invalid or unrelated values. This reduces the likelihood of runtime errors. Many programming languages support enumtypes, with variations in their specific syntax and features. They are a common tool for representing states, options, or categories where a predefined set of values is appropriate.