How do I create an enum from a string in Kotlin?

Question

I have an enum with some instances Foo and Bar. If I have a string \"Foo\", how can I instantiate a Foo enum from that?

Answer 1

Kotlin enum classes have "static" function valueOf to get enum entry by string(like Java enums). Additionally they have "static" function values to get all enum entries. Example:

enum class MyEnum {
  Foo, Bar, Baz
}

fun main(args : Array<String>) {
  println(MyEnum.valueOf("Foo") == MyEnum.Foo)
  println(MyEnum.valueOf("Bar") == MyEnum.Bar)
  println(MyEnum.values().toList())
}

Answer 2

As bashor suggested, use MyEnum.valueOf() but please have in mind that it throws an exception if value can't be found. I recommend using:

enum class MyEnum {
  Foo Bar Baz
}

try {
   myVar = MyEnum.valueOf("Qux")
} catch(e: IllegalArgumentException) {
   Log.d(TAG, "INVALID MyEnum value: 'Qux' | $e")
}

Answer 3

Would do it like

enum class MyEnum {
  Foo, Bar, Baz
}

val value = MyEnum.values().firstOrNull {it.name == "Foo"} // results to MyEnum.Foo

Answer 4

Reusable Exception Safe Solution

The default solution in Kotlin will throw an exception. If you want a reliable solution that works statically for all enums, try this!

Now just call valueOf<MyEnum>("value"). If the type is invalid, you'll get null and have to handle it, instead of an exception.

inline fun <reified T : Enum<T>> valueOf(type: String): T? {
    return try {
        java.lang.Enum.valueOf(T::class.java, type)
    } catch (e: Exception) {
        null
    }
}

Alternatively, you can set a default value, calling valueOf<MyEnum>("value", MyEnum.FALLBACK), and avoid a null response. You can extend your specific enum to have the default be automatic

inline fun <reified T : Enum<T>> valueOf(type: String, default: T): T {
    return try {
        java.lang.Enum.valueOf(T::class.java, type)
    } catch (e: Exception) {
        default
    }
}

Or if you want both, make the second:

inline fun <reified T : Enum<T>> valueOf(type: String, default: T): T = valueOf<T>(type) ?: default