Enums, or enumerations, are user-defined types in C++ that consist of a set of named integral constants. They can make a program easier to read and maintain because they represent data that can be interpreted as different distinct values. To create an enum, use the `enum` keyword, followed by the name of the enumeration type and a list of possible values enclosed in braces. Each value in an enum is separated by a comma.
For example, in the enum type `bookType`, we might have enumerated constants such as `MATH`, `CSC`, `ENGLISH`, etc. Enums improve code readability by providing meaningful names to integers in a type-safe way.
- Enum values are usually assigned integer values automatically starting from zero.
- These values improve readability as they make the code self-documenting.
- Enabling easy constraints, enums restrict a variable to have only one of the predefined values.
Enums are an excellent tool for representing finite sets of values visually and practically.