Enumeration Issue...

[IAC*77]

I've come across the following issue with enumerations:

Public Enum Figures
        test1 = 1          
        test2 = 2      
End Enum          

Dim fig As Figures          

'this works fine (as it should)
fig = Figures.test1

'but this also works even though its not a valid enumeration value!
fig = 4

Can anyone explain why this is allowed to happen and if there is a way to prevent it?

Thanks

[VBCrazyCoder]

Yup. You should define fig as a property and in the set you can make sure the integer that is being passed in is in the enumeration by:

If [Enum].IsDefined(....) Then ....

[Pirate]

Aren't enums are constant values so you can't change them !!! You probably should be looking at Structures not Enums .

[IAC*77]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, it looks like I'm gonna have to use a property instead. It still seems very backward though, as my idea of an enumeration is to ensure a finite list of strongly-typed values, but whats the point if you can still get away with putting any old rubbish in?

[pax]

Hi.

If you turn Option Strict on it will complain.

Sometimes you need to be able to have a value different from the options specified. If could be a flagged value.

A=Figures.Test1 or Figures.Test2

In your case, that would result in A=3, which is not in the list by itself, but by a combination of Test1 and Test2.