typedef NS_ENUM vs typedef enum

Question

On the Adopting Modern Objective-C guide, Apple recommends using the NS_ENUM macro instead of enum. I\'ve also read an explanation from NSHipster about NS_ENUM and NS_OPTIONS.

Answer 1

NS_ENUM allows you to define a type. This means that the compiler can check if you're assigning the enum to a different variable like so:

//OK in both cases
NSInteger integer = SizeWidth;
//OK only with typedef
BOOL value = SizeHeight;

NS_ENUM also provides checks in switch statements that you've covered all possible values:

//Will generate warning if using NS_ENUM
switch(sizeVariable) {
    case SizeWidth:
        //Do something
}