Enum vs constants decision in C Sharp (C#) - Practice Questions

Challenge - 5 Problems

❓ Predict Output

intermediate

Output of enum and constant usage

What is the output of this C# program that uses both an enum and constants?

C Sharp (C#)

using System;

class Program {
    enum Status { Active = 1, Inactive = 0 }
    const int ActiveConst = 1;
    const int InactiveConst = 0;

    static void Main() {
        Console.WriteLine(Status.Active == ActiveConst);
        Console.WriteLine(Status.Inactive == InactiveConst);
        Console.WriteLine((int)Status.Active + (int)Status.Inactive);
    }
}

A

False
True
1

B

True
False
1

C

False
False
0

D

True
True
1

💡 Hint

Remember enums can be cast to their underlying integer values.

Enums in C# have underlying integer values. Comparing enum members to constants with the same values returns true. Casting enums to int sums their values correctly.

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Choosing between enum and constants

Which scenario is best suited for using an enum instead of constants in C#?

A When you need a group of related named values with distinct integer values.

B When you want to define a single constant string value.

C When you want to define multiple unrelated constants scattered in code.

D When you want to store configuration settings that can change at runtime.

💡 Hint

Enums group related values under one type.

Enums are best for grouping related named constants with distinct values. Constants are better for single or unrelated values.

❓ Predict Output

advanced

Output of invalid enum assignment

What error or output occurs when this C# code runs?

C Sharp (C#)

using System;
enum Colors { Red = 1, Green = 2, Blue = 3 }

class Program {
    static void Main() {
        Colors c = (Colors)5;
        Console.WriteLine(c);
    }
}

A 5 (prints the integer value)

B Blue

C Compilation error

D 5

💡 Hint

Casting an integer outside enum values is allowed but may produce unexpected output.

Casting an integer not defined in enum prints the integer value as enum name is missing.

❓ Predict Output

advanced

Output of constant string concatenation

What is the output of this C# code using constants?

C Sharp (C#)

using System;
class Program {
    const string Hello = "Hello";
    const string World = "World";

    static void Main() {
        string message = Hello + ", " + World + "!";
        Console.WriteLine(message);
    }
}

A Hello World!

B Hello, World!

C Hello,World!

D HelloWorld!

💡 Hint

Look carefully at the commas and spaces in the concatenation.

The string concatenation includes a comma and space after Hello, so output is 'Hello, World!'.

🧠 Conceptual

expert

Why prefer enums over constants for state management?

Why is using enums generally better than constants for managing states in C# applications?

A Constants can be changed at runtime, enums cannot.

B Constants use less memory than enums, so enums are slower.

C Enums provide type safety and better code readability compared to constants.

D Enums allow storing multiple unrelated values in one variable.

💡 Hint

Think about how enums help prevent invalid values.

Enums restrict values to defined set, improving type safety and readability. Constants are just fixed values without grouping or type safety.