Enums and list indexes

I can't seem to figure out how to use an enum as an index value in c# for a list, I get an error like can't convert enum to int.

Code (csharp):

1.  
2. public Enum MsgType {
3. Normal,
4. Warn,
5. Panic
6. }

List<string> myMessages = new List<string>;

... later on

Code (csharp):

1.  
2. void LogMessage(MsgType mType) {
3.  
4. myMessages.Add("Everything is great!");
5. myMessages.Add("Warning: Running low on Mountain Dew.");
6. myMessages.Add("PANIC! We're out of Mountain Dew.");
7.  
8. Debug.Log(myMessages[mType]);
9.  
10. }
11.  

Of course myStrings[] wants an integer for the index and it's getting an enum which is apparently not an integer. I see no #CONST or anything. Is there a way to use enums for indexes or am I stuck making int variables? I really don't want my code to say things like

LogMessage(3);

Mostly because there's no way I'll remember what number to use for all the different elements.


Thanks!

Edit: Didn't see code tags in the toolbar, now I see "go advanced" has them

 

please use code tags!

myMessages[(int)mType];
there is no implicit conversion from enum to int so do it explicitely. note: when you assign manual values (ie Normal = 5) you leave out some indices in the list so avoid that.

 

As an alternative you could use a dictionary and index the values with your enum.

 

but you should also provide your own equalitycomparer when doing so as the default comparer is really slow (approx factor 10) because it boxes the value type.

 

I have used C type languages before but I've not run into the need for casting enums. I've just gotten into C# for unity after using VB.net for a couple of years so it's taking a while to get back into the groove. I'd totally forgotten about casting in that manner.

Of course if I plan on using the enum value in multiple places I'll cast the value into an int variable first and use the int everywhere.

Thanks for the reminder.

 

That would certainly be less leaky and a much more correct way of doing something like this.

Yup. The fact that enums don't implement IEquatable<> should really be considered a serious bug or flaw in the .Net spec. And in Unity, just calling the getHashCode() method of an enum value causes allocations (!).