How to access enum values through their numbers?

Unity Engine
1

I have a script that contains an enum with 5 values. I have another script that inherits from the first script and randomly generates a number that will represent the first script’s enum contents. The thing is, I don’t want to copy+paste 5 if statements to check what is the value so I thought about using a for loop. Also, I do plan on adding more values to the enum in the future which is why I want to be prepared for it. Here’s what I’m talking about:

// First script example enum
    public enum ItemTypes
    {
                COIN,
                SHARD,
                CRYSTAL,
                IDOL,
                RING
    }

// Second script randomly selecting a number and assigning the enum value based on selected number

private void PickItem()
    {
        int randomItem = Random.Range (1, 6);     // Picks an item at random
        for(int i = 1; i < 6; i++)
        {
            if(randomItem == i)
            {
                // setItem is a function in the first script that sets the item
                // newItems is declared in the second script (the one containing the code here)
                newItems.setItem = first script.ItemTypes(i); // This is the problem
            }
        }

}

Can someone please explain what I’m missing?

1 Like
2

Not 100%, but seems like you’re missing the fact that enums are convertible to and from int. Just go (int)ItemTypes.COIN or (ItemTypes)0.

4 Likes
3

Also, looks like you are working with 1-based arrays
should really be Random.Range(0,5) and i=0; i<5

4

It works, thank you!

5

Just wanted to mention a common technique to avoid maintaining hard-coded numbers:

public enum ItemTypes
{
  COIN,
  SHARD,
  CRYSTAL,
  IDOL,
  RING,
  Max    //<-- not a real value; marks the end of the enum.
}

private void PickItem()
{
  ItemTypes randomItem = (ItemTypes) Random.Range (0, (int) ItemTypes.Max);  // Picks an item at random
  ...
  // Or, to iterate through all types:
  for (int i = 0; i < (int) ItemTypes.Max; i++) { ... }
}

This lets you easily add more item types without having to update the number in other areas of your code.

1 Like
6

Of course, that wont work if you are assigning values to the enum yourself

    enum things { first = 10, second = 46, third = 99, Max }

        for ( int i = 0; i < (int) things.Max; i++ ) {
            Debug.Log( (things) i );
//Prints numbers all the way up to 99, substituting for the names as it can
        }
7

Then don’t do that. :wink:

At the risk of overwhelming this thread with excessive complexity, one can also get the enum values using Enum.GetValues(). But each technique is a choice, and I prefer the simplicity of the first way.

1 Like
8

I try to avoid casting whenever possible… Purely a preference thing, though. +1 for Enum.GetValues, .ToString, and everything else that helps me avoid casting. xP

9

There is nothing wrong with casting as long as you are aware of what you are doing and why you are doing it. :slight_smile:

10

Right, as long as you’re not boxing/unboxing, you’re good to go!

11

Oh, I know. There is no way to completely avoid casting… It’s just a personal preference thing to me.