C# Object Constructor with Specific Values

Question

I want to be able to allow only certain values to a custom object method. The first example that came to mind to illustrate the point is the VB msgbox and the specific values that you use for which set of buttons you could choose.

 MsgBox("Message", vbYesNo,"title")

How would I be able to do the same in C# with a custom object?

The method will search a particular area based on the value sent.

 object.method(SearchArea1);
 object.method(SearchArea2);

I want to be able just type SearchArea1 or SearchArea2 (not as strings) just like you would use vbYesNo, vbCancel.

Does that make sense at all?

C# MSDN Enum Reference

MethodMan
– MethodMan

2015-04-07 15:52:38 +00:00
Commented Apr 7, 2015 at 15:52 — MethodMan
– MethodMan, Commented Apr 7, 2015 at 15:52

ken2k · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-07 16:06:19Z

3

You could define an enum and then use it as parameter for method

public enum SearchArea 
{
    SearchArea1,
    SearchArea2
}

public void method(SearchArea searchArea) 
{
    switch (searchArea)
    {
        case SearchArea.SearchArea1:
            // your logic for SearchArea1
            break;
        case SearchArea.SearchArea2:
            // your logic for SearchArea2
            break;
        default:
            throw new ArgumentException("Logic not implemented for provided search area");
    }
}

edited Apr 7, 2015 at 16:06

ken2k

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answered Apr 7, 2015 at 15:51

Claudio Redi

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7 Comments

rory.ap Over a year ago

The else isn't the best way to do that because it makes the code kind of brittle. If he adds future enum values, they'd all fall to the else. A switch would be better with an exception in the default case so it will be immediately obvious after future refactorings if he forgot to modify the logic in method to deal with the new enum value(s).

Claudio Redi Over a year ago

@roryap: agreed, it was a simple method template to show how to use the enum. It's true that better to do it right though, thanks.

ken2k Over a year ago

A break after a thrown exception will be unreachable and could be removed.

GarudaLead Over a year ago

Thanks guys! I new it would be simple!

GarudaLead Over a year ago

So a quick follow up question: What's the difference between using enums rather than just creating properties? From what I read it's more a code manageability thing than performance?

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ken2k · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-07 15:51:47Z

0

What you're looking for is called an enumeration.

answered Apr 7, 2015 at 15:51

ken2k

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1 Comment

GarudaLead Over a year ago

Thanks everyone! I figured it was easy. I just wasn't sure what to google!

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