switch isn't 'invented' for enums. switch is a low-level construct which mimics several goto's / jumps. It's just as bad, except for the case where you have either: a) multiple behaviors for the same value, b) need to pass through (not break). b) is the nr 1 reason I hate switches, and my nr 2 reason is that most languages don't support proper enums, and will fail when you don't handle all possible values