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The java enum type has advantages versus using a string for mycar and string literals like "red", "green", and "black"? which of the answers below is not one of those advantages?

public enum carcolor {red, green, black}
carcolor mycar; mycar = ;
if (mycar == ) { ("green is our most popular color"); }

a. the compiler will yield an error for an unsupported color like blue
b. the compiler will yield an error for a misspelled color like gren
c. the possible colors are made explicit capital letters can be used to make
d. the colors clearer

User Brandizzi
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

b. the compiler will yield an error for a misspelled color like gren

The advantages of using an enum over string literals in Java include compiler-enforced type safety for predefined constants and explicit declaration of valid values.

However, the convention of using capital letters for enums is not a functional advantage over strings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question you're asking relates to the advantages of using an enum type in Java over using String literals. When we declare an enum like carcolor with predefined constants (red, green, black), each of these advantages comes into play:

  • The compiler will yield an error for an unsupported color like blue: Enums in Java ensure that only defined constants are allowed, preventing the use of undefined values.
  • The compiler will yield an error for a misspelled color like "gren": This type safety prevents run-time errors due to typos.
  • The possible colors are made explicit: Enums make it clear which values are valid for the carcolor type.

However, the choice d, stating "capital letters can be used to make the colors clearer," is not an advantage of using an enum over String literals.

While it's a convention to use uppercase letters for constants in Java, this is a style preference and has nothing to do with the functionality or the advantages provided by enums over strings.

The java enum type provides several advantages over using a String for representing colors. One advantage is that the compiler will yield an error for an unsupported color like blue.

This helps catch potential errors early and ensures that only valid colors are used. Another advantage is that the compiler will yield an error for a misspelled color like grenc, preventing accidental typos and inconsistencies.

Lastly, the possible colors are made explicit, allowing developers to use capital letters to make the colors clearer.

User JackoM
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