using switch statements with constants or enumerations? (Which is better)? C#

Question

HI, I've got a simple question, but one that has been bugging me for a while.

Question:

When using switch statements in C#, is it considered better practice to use enums over constants or vice versa? Or is it a matter of preference? I ask this because many people seem to like using enums, but when you are switching on an int value, you have to cast each of the values contained in the enum to an int, even if you specify the type of enum.

Code Snippet:

class Program
{

     enum UserChoices
     {
        MenuChoiceOne = 1,
        MenuChoiceTwo,
        MenuChoiceThree,
        MenuChoiceFour,
        MenuChoiceFive
     }

     static void Main()
     {

        Console.Write("Enter your choice: ");
        int someNum = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());

        switch (someNum)
        {
            case (int)UserChoices.MenuChoiceOne:
              Console.WriteLine("You picked the first choice!");
              break;
            // etc. etc.
         }
      }
}

Is there some way you can create an instance of the enum and just cast the whole enum to an int?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Why not do this instead?

UserChoices choice = (UserChoices)int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());

switch (choice)
{
    case UserChoices.MenuChoiceOne:
        // etc...

Then you only need to cast once.

Update: fixed bug in code!

Answer 2

I believe you can simply do:

switch((UserChoices)someNum)
{
     case UserChoices.MenuChoiceOne:
     break;
     default:
     throw Exception // whatever here
}

Answer 3

I think the preference of enums over constants is because of readability and not because of performance. I find it easier to read enums in code (in general and not just in switch statements), than to read/understand constants and their usage.

and btw, you don't have to cast every case, you can just cast your switch.

switch((UserChoices)someEnum)
{
...