Python: Enum versus Classes

Question

I have a configuration file in Python. It was suggested to me to use classes. So I have a lot of constants like this:

class Paths:
    class Sources:
        strategylab = 'src/strategylab/'

    class Projects:
        home = 'prj/'

        os.makedirs(home, exist_ok=True)

        scenarios_outputs = 'outputs/'
        scenarios = 'scenarios/'
        datasets = 'datasets/'

        # to be configured dynamically
        project_path = None
        project_single_scenario_path = None
        project_single_scenario_output_path = None
        project_outputs_path = None
        project_name = None
        project_datasets_path = None

    class Workspace:
        temp = 'temp/'
        ftp = 'ftp/'

        # to be configured dynamically
        home = None
        temp_location = None
        ftp_location = None

    class Template:
        home = 'model/'

        # to be configured dynamically
        single_project_template_location = None

What advantages should I have if I transform them in ENUM? Can I still add values dynamically?

why are they nested classes? – juanpa.arrivillaga Oct 12 '20 at 13:16 — juanpa.arrivillaga, Oct 12 '20 at 13:16

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 12 '20 at 14:01

1

Enums are for constants -- paths on a harddrive don't feel very constant:

they could change between program releases
they could change due to user preferences

Enum's are not designed to have values added once they have been created.

answered Oct 12 '20 at 14:01

Ethan Furman

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Python: Enum versus Classes

1 Answers1