Better Enums is a single header file that causes your compiler to generate *reflective* enum types. This makes it easy to translate between enums and strings, and much more. Here's how to use a Better Enum:

enable

declare


parse
print


count
iterate



switch






safe cast


at compile time

#include <enum.h>

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");

### What do you get?

Uniform interface for $cxx98 and $cxx11 Scoped, sized, reflective enums for $cxx98.
Compile-time reflection Have the compiler do additional enum processing using your own templates or constexpr functions.
Non-contiguous sequences Iteration and count much easier to maintain than with an extra "count" constant and making assumptions.
Plays nice with switch Use a Better Enum like a built-in enum, and still have the compiler do case checking.
Unobtrusive syntax No ugly macros. Use initializers just like with built-in enums. Generated members have underscores to avoid conflicts with your constant names.
Don't repeat yourself No more unmaintanable maps or switch statements for converting enums to strings.
No build-time generator needed Just include enum.h. It's a metaprogram executed by your compiler.
Fast compilation Much less impact on build time than even just including iostream.
No external dependencies Uses standard $cxx and supported on major compilers. Installation is simple — just download enum.h.
Free and open source Released under the BSD license for use in any project, free or commercial.

### It's what built-in enums ought to do. The library notionally extends $cxx, adding oft-needed features.

Download enum.h Current version: $version
To install, just add the file to your project.
Visit on GitHub Follow development, report issues, and let me know if you find this library useful!

### Resources

Tutorial
Reference
Compile-time demos

%% title = Clean reflective enums for C++ %% description = Reflective enums for C++ with clean syntax, in a header-only library. Can be converted to strings, iterated, counted, and used for metaprogramming. Free under the BSD license. %% class = index