Using enums for switch case in Java

Question

I am implementing a simple switch case which will switch on an Enum value. Following is the code

ScheduleType scheduleType = ScheduleType.valueOf(scheduleTypeString);

switch (scheduleType) {

       case ScheduleType.CRON_EXPRESSION: 
                    System.out.println("Cron");
                    break;
}

But I am getting the following error in my IDE:

The qualified case label ScheduleType.CRON_EXPRESSION must be replaced with the unqualified enum constant CRON_EXPRESSION

Can somebody explain why do I get this error and what's wrong with the code. I know the right way to do is to remove the ClassName, but why do I need to do that? Because generally in comparisons I do use it like for example in equals and all. Thanks

@SambhavSharma They are probably sympathy votes and frankly the upvoters should explain their rationale here. I don't mean to be a jerk but this is not really a good question. The compiler error tells you exactly what to do to fix this. I downvoted it because 'it does not show any research effort'. — Radiodef
– Radiodef, Commented Apr 2, 2014 at 20:14
I learned something from the question, I didn't know the info that Ajay posted. — Mike B
– Mike B, Commented Apr 2, 2014 at 20:20

Mike B · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-02 20:07:39Z

7

Leave off the class name. case ScheduleType.CRON_EXPRESSION: should be case CRON_EXPRESSION: instead.

Or in other words, ScheduleType.CRON_EXPRESSION must be replaced with the unqualified enum constant CRON_EXPRESSION.

answered Apr 2, 2014 at 20:07

Mike B

5,4612 gold badges26 silver badges45 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

Ajay George · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-02 20:14:45Z

3

Mike has explained the how part.

I shall attempt to explain the why part.

The switch case would make sense only if you compare enums of the same type. Comparing enums of type E1 with that of E2 doesn't make sense.

There was a bug which was raised to request for this feature which touches upon this.

answered Apr 2, 2014 at 20:14

Ajay George

11.9k1 gold badge42 silver badges50 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Using enums for switch case in Java

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Linked

Related