Using enum datatype declared in another class in Objective C

Question

I have a DataClass.h

@interface DataClass : NSObject
{
}

enum knownTypes
{
    type1 = 0,
    type2,
    type3,
    UnknownType = -1
};

Is there a way I can specify knownTypes in .m file and access from other class.

This is Util class i am creating, hence don't want to create an object to access the values in this class.

for ex: in TestClass.m , by importing DataClass.h , now i can use the enum values as type1,type2.. but if i declare the enum data in DataClass.m , i could not use those enum values.

Why put UnknownType at the bottom?

Shiplu Mokaddim
– Shiplu Mokaddim

2012-04-06 07:18:38 +00:00
Commented Apr 6, 2012 at 7:18 — Shiplu Mokaddim
– Shiplu Mokaddim, Commented Apr 6, 2012 at 7:18

mouviciel · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-06 08:39:24Z

18

This has nothing to do with classes. This is a feature of C.

If you define a type or an enum in a .h file, you can use it by importing it (#import) where you need it.

If you define your enum in a .c or .m file, only elements after that definition in the file can use it.

In your case, it appears that you need the same enum in two different files. Usage is to define that enum in a separate file, e.g., knownTypes.h and import that file in the two files using it: DataClass.m and TestClass.m.

If TestClass is for testing purpose, then your current organization is OK: enum is declared in DataClass.h and both DataClass.m and TestClass.m import DataClass.h.

edited Apr 6, 2012 at 8:39

answered Apr 6, 2012 at 8:24

mouviciel

68.1k12 gold badges109 silver badges144 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

dreamlax · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-06 07:22:46Z

2

No, if you define the enum in the source file instead of the header, then only that source file will be able to utilise the identifiers used in the enum. If you want to keep it “private” but usable by more than one source file, put it in a separate header and include this separate header in both source files.

answered Apr 6, 2012 at 7:22

dreamlax

95.7k31 gold badges166 silver badges211 bronze badges

1 Comment

Friendtam Over a year ago

Thats what I am trying to do, Data Class here is that separate Header file

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Using enum datatype declared in another class in Objective C

2 Answers 2

Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related