Module 14: Enums and Annotations

Enums with Fields and Behavior

Add fields and methods to enums so each constant can carry real behavior.

Author

Java Learner Editorial Team

Reviewer

Technical review by Java Learner

Last reviewed

2026-04-17

Java version

Java 25 LTS

How this lesson was prepared: AI-assisted draft, manually edited for clarity, and checked against current Java documentation and runnable examples.

Learning goals

Add fields and constructors to enums
Use enum methods to keep behavior close to the state
Recognize when enums can replace scattered branching

Enums can do more than list constants: They can have fields, constructors, and methods just like classes.

This makes them useful for domain modeling: A ticket status can carry a label, a color code, or next-step rules.

Behavior close to the enum often beats scattered condition chains elsewhere: That keeps the rules visible in one place.

Keep the enum focused: If it turns into a giant god-object, the design has gone too far.

Runnable examples

Each enum constant carries a label

enum Priority {
    LOW("Low"), HIGH("High");

    private final String label;

    Priority(String label) {
        this.label = label;
    }

    public String label() {
        return label;
    }
}

System.out.println(Priority.HIGH.label());

Expected output

High

Mini exercise

Add a human-readable label field to an enum you already created.

Summary

Enums can carry data and behavior.
That often keeps small domain rules tidy.
Use this power carefully so enums stay focused.

Next step

After enums, learn the built-in annotations that shape everyday Java code.

Sources used

Enums with Fields and Behavior

Each enum constant carries a label

What is a strong reason to add behavior to an enum?