In .NET can you have multiple enum values for the same integer?
eg.
public enum PersonGender
{
Unknown = 0,
Male = 1,
Female = 2,
Intersex = 3,
Indeterminate = 3,
NonStated = 9,
InadequatelyDescribed = 9
}
In C#, this is allowed, as per the C# Language Specication, version 4. Section 1.10 Enums doesn't explicitly mention the possibility but, later on in section 14 Enums, 14.3, we see:
Multiple
enummembers may share the same associated value. The exampleenum Color { Red, Green, Blue, Max = Blue }shows an
enumin which twoenummembers -BlueandMax- have the same associated value.
Max = 2 then the analyzer will complain about assigning the same constant value
enum x { a = 42, b = 17, c = 12, d = 314159, e = 271828, f = 17 };. If you assign an already-existing enum value to an enum value, it's probably safe to assume you meant to do that.That works fine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the code you posted. It compiles just fine and works in code, with the caveat that
PersonGender.NonStated == PersonGender.InadequatelyDescribed
I found this StackOverflow post related to this question. I think there is a very sensible discussion of how this works. Non-unique enum values
Now, I might also add that it is my opinion this would be an ambiguous (and therefore improper) use of an enum. It's important to write code that makes sense to someone else reading it, and in this case, I would be put off by this enum.
I would suggest that an enum would not be a right thing to use in your context instead you can use create a class and methods which can resolve your purpose. Something like this in your class:-
class A
{
static readonly ABCD= new Dictionary<int,string>
{
{ 1, "X" },
{ 2, "X" },
{ 3, "Y" }
{ 4, "Y" }
}
}
