Python Enum Patterns

A guide to defining type-safe, self-documenting constants using Python's Enum class and its variants.

Usage

Ask about Enum types, StrEnum, IntEnum, Flag, or enum patterns in APIs and databases.

Examples

• "Create a StrEnum for API status values"
• "How do I use Flag for bitwise permission enums?"
• "Serialize enums to JSON in FastAPI responses"

Guidelines

• Use StrEnum for string-based constants (Python 3.11+)
• Use IntEnum when integer compatibility is needed
• Use Flag for combinable bitwise options
• Add custom methods to enums for behavior
• Use auto() for auto-generated values when the value doesn't matter