Navigating Enums in TypeScript

When, and When Not, You Should Use Enums In Typescript

Introduction

As someone (me) who came from the Java world, enums in TypeScript initially seemed like familiar territory, presumed to function similarly. After all, in Java, enums are used for defining a set of named constants, encapsulating a list of options within a type-safe structure. However, TypeScript’s nuances and compiled JavaScript output require a careful approach to enum usage.

This article delves into Typescript enums, highlighting when their usage aligns with expectations and when it diverges, all while drawing on concrete examples and best practices for TypeScript’s ecosystem.

When to use Enums

You should use enum types whenever you need to represent a fixed set of constants. They are particularly beneficial when you have a predefined list of options that are unlikely to change frequently. This includes data sets where you know all the possible values at compile time, such as weekdays, languages, flags, and other categorical variables.