Case Objects vs Enumerations
Features | Case Objects | Enumerations |
---|---|---|
Definition | Case objects are singleton objects with distinct types. | Enums are instances of Enumeration class. |
Declaration | Defined using ‘case object’ keyword. | Extends Enumeration class. |
Types | Each case object has its own distinct type. | All enum values share the same type. |
Additional Data | Can have associated fields/methods. | Can’t directly add fields/methods. |
Serialization | Serializable by default. | Not serializable by default. |
Use Cases | Modeling algebraic data types. | Representing a set of related values. |
Compile Time Safety | Provides compile-time safety for exhaustive pattern matching. | May not provide compile-time safety for exhaustive pattern matching. |
Memory Usage | Requires more memory due to individual instances. | Requires less memory as values share instances. |
Instances | Unique instances for each value. | Shared instances for all values. |
Pattern Matching | More flexible than enumeration. | Less flexible. |
Difference between Case Objects vs Enumerations in Scala
Scala offers multiple constructs for representing a fixed set of values, among which case objects and enumerations stand out. While both serve similar purposes, they have distinct characteristics and use cases. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between case objects and enumerations in Scala, along with their respective advantages and use cases.
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