Change enum description during program execution

Question

Not even sure if possible because can't find anything about that, i can find how to GET the current description written before program is executed but can't find a way to change (set/edit) the description of an enum when the program is already started, so if i have (just an example):

public enum MyColors {
    [Description("This is green, like a cactus")]
    Green,
    [Description("This is red, like blood")]
    Red,
    [Description("This is blue, you know like water")]
    Blue,
    [Description("This is black, like the eyes of an alien")]
    Black
}

How can i change the description during the program execution (while app is already started) or tell me "not possible" if it's not possible, thanks for your time.

You could add a dictionary (- observable if you need binding -) that has the enum values as key and the description as value, then use that instead. If it's for localization you could just associate a key string using an attribute and then look that up in you current localization context. — H.B., Jun 28 '16 at 07:55

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 27 '16 at 20:36

3

You cannot change the value of the Description attribute, because attribute values are static and are baked into the compiled assembly.

answered Jun 27 '16 at 20:36

Tomáš Hübelbauer

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score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 27 '16 at 20:40

Your description is defined in an attribute. The parameter (string) is compiled into the Intermediate Language IL hence they form part of your assembly. As a consequence you cannot change the description during run-time.

You will need to change the way you link enum values and descriptions if you require to change them during run-time. One way is to change to resource files.

Change enum description during program execution

2 Answers2