Better Enums

enable

declare


parse
format


count
iterate




switch






safe cast


during
compilation

#include <enum.h>

BETTER_ENUM(Channel, int, Red = 1, Green, Blue)


Channel     c = Channel::_from_string("Red");
const char  *s = c._to_string();


size_t      n = Channel::_size();
for (Channel c : Channel::_values()) {
    run_some_function(c);
}


switch (c) {
    case Channel::Red:    // ...
    case Channel::Green:  // ...
    case Channel::Blue:   // ...
}


Channel     c = Channel::_from_integral(3);


constexpr Channel c =
    Channel::_from_string("Blue");

Better Enums is a single, lightweight header file that makes your compiler generate reflective enum types.

That means you can easily convert enums to and from strings, validate them, and loop over them. In C++11, you can do it all at compile time.

It's what built-in enums ought to support. Better Enums simply adds the missing features. And, it is based on the best known techniques, thoroughly tested, fast, portable, and documented exhaustively.

To use it, just include enum.h and begin the tutorial!

Highlights

Unobtrusive syntax No ugly macros. Use initializers as with built-in enums. Internal members have underscores to avoid clashing with your constant names.
No external dependencies Uses only standard C++. Installation is simple — just download enum.h. There are no objects or libraries to link with.
No generator program needed Just include enum.h. It's a metaprogram executed by your compiler.
Plays nice with switch Use a Better Enum like a built-in enum, and still have the compiler do case checking.
Don't repeat yourself No more unmaintanable maps or switch statements for converting enums to strings.
Non-contiguous sequences Iteration and counting are much easier to maintain than with an extra Count constant and assuming a dense range.
Fast compilation Much less impact on build time than even just including iostream. enum.h is only slightly more than 1000 lines long.
Compile-time reflection Have the compiler do additional enum processing using your own templates or constexpr functions.
Uniform interface for C++98, C++11 Scoped, sized, reflective enums for C++98, and an easy upgrade path.
Stream operators Write enum names directly to std::cout or use boost::lexical_cast.
Free and open source Released under the BSD license for use in any project, free or commercial.

Reflective compile-time enums for C++

Open-source under the BSD license

Highlights

Documentation