Get int Value from Enum in C#

Introduction to Enums in C#

Enums, short for enumerations, are a fundamental feature in C#. They allow developers to define a set of named constants, making code more readable and maintainable. Each enum member is associated with an underlying integer value by default, starting from zero. This blog will focus on how to get int from enum in C# and explore other related conversions.

Why Convert Enums to Integers?

Enums are primarily used for better code readability. However, there are cases where you might need to retrieve the integer value of an enum:

• For database storage, where integer representations are often used.
• For data serialization and interoperability with other systems.
• For performing calculations or comparisons.

How to Get int from Enum in C#

Converting an enum to its integer equivalent is straightforward in C#. Below are examples to illustrate the process.

Basic Example of Enum to Integer Conversion

📄
enum Days
{
    Sunday = 0,
    Monday = 1,
    Tuesday = 2,
    Wednesday = 3,
    Thursday = 4,
    Friday = 5,
    Saturday = 6
}

class Program
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        Days today = Days.Wednesday;
        int intValue = (int)today;
        Console.WriteLine($"The integer value of {today} is {intValue}.");
    }
}

In this example, the integer value of Days.Wednesday is retrieved using a simple cast.

Working with Custom Integer Values

Enums can have custom integer values:

📄
enum ErrorCodes
{
    NotFound = 404,
    ServerError = 500,
    BadRequest = 400
}

class Program
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        ErrorCodes error = ErrorCodes.NotFound;
        int intValue = (int)error;
        Console.WriteLine($"The integer value of {error} is {intValue}.");
    }
}

Here, each enum member is explicitly assigned a value, and the cast retrieves that value.

Advanced Enum to Integer Conversion Techniques

Using Enum.GetValues Method

If you need all integer values of an enum:

📄
foreach (int value in Enum.GetValues(typeof(Days)))
{
    Console.WriteLine(value);
}

Using Enum.TryParse for Safe Conversion

When working with user input, you can parse a string to an enum and retrieve its integer value:

📄
string input = "Friday";
if (Enum.TryParse(input, out Days day))
{
    int intValue = (int)day;
    Console.WriteLine($"The integer value of {day} is {intValue}.");
}
else
{
    Console.WriteLine("Invalid input.");
}

Common Use Cases for Enum Manipulation

• Logging: Using integer values for logging system states.
• Configuration: Enum values for application configuration settings.
• API Responses: Mapping enum values to HTTP response codes.

FAQs

What happens if an enum is cast to an undefined value?

Enums can be cast to any integer, even if it doesn’t map to a defined member. Always validate enum values when working with user input.

How can I convert an integer back to an enum?

Use the (EnumType)value cast:

📄
int intValue = 3;
Days day = (Days)intValue;
Console.WriteLine(day);

Can enums be used with flags?

Yes, by using the [Flags] attribute. This allows bitwise operations on enum values.

What is the default underlying type of enums in C#?

The default underlying type is int. However, you can specify other integral types like byte or long.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get int from enum in C# is an essential skill for developers working with structured data. Whether you’re storing enum values in a database, performing calculations, or debugging, this knowledge enhances your ability to manage enums effectively. Explore these techniques and apply them to streamline your C# projects!