Can an enum be defined in the same file as a class header that uses it in Objective-C?

Question

If not, and it needs to be included in a separate file (e.g. MyEnums.h) do I need to #import MyEnums.h every time a .m or .h file wants to refer to the type or one of the values?

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Here's sample code of MyClass.h:

#import <Foundation/Foundation.h>

// #1 placeholder

@interface MyClass : NSObject {
}

// #2 placeholder

- (void)sampleMethod:(MyEnum)useOfEnum;

// #3 placeholder

@end

Here's the enum I'm trying to define:

typedef enum MyEnum {
    Value1,
    Value2
}

If I try placing my enum definition in #1, I get error: no type or storage class may be specified here before 'interface'.

If I try placing my enum definition in #2, I get error: expected identifier or '(' before 'end'.

If I try placing my enum definition in #3, I get error: expected ')' before 'MyEnum'. Which is complaining about the parameter "useOfEnum" because it's type is not defined yet.

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So can this be done? Or what is the best way to do this and limit the amount of #imports required?

Answer 1

It should work in position #1, but I think you need to write it like so:

typedef enum {
    Value1,
    Value2
} MyEnum;

To work properly.

update: I have confirmed this (at least in Xcode 3.2). The syntax shown above compiles without errors.

Answer 2

It looks like you are simply missing the ; off the end of the typedef enum declaration.