Compilation error - switch with enum [duplicate]

Answer 1

Because the Java Language Specification states that it is so.

Specifically, the defintition of a SwitchLabel:

SwitchLabel:
        case ConstantExpression :
        case EnumConstantName :
        default :

See http://java.sun.com/docs/books/jls/third_edition/html/statements.html#258896

Answer 2

I'm guessing because otherwise you could do something like this:

switch(var) {
  case AnyOtherEnum.FIRST:
  break;
}

Answer 3

Because you are switching 'var' already as "Enum", so the case Enum.FIRST would be "Enum.Enum.FIRST". Kind of ;-)