Thread: When we should really use constant and define

  1. #1
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    When we should really use constant and define

    code with define keyword
    Code:
    #include <stdio.h>
    
    #define x  20
    
    
    int main(void)
    {
       printf("x = %d \n", x);
       
       return 0;
    }
    x = 20

    code with constant keyword
    Code:
    #include <stdio.h>
    
    int main(void)
    {
    	int x = 20;
    	
       printf("x = %d \n", x);
       
       return 0;
    }
    x = 20

    I don't see the difference between constant and define keyword in code

    somebody can explain When we should really use constant and define keyword in code ?

  2. #2
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    Use constant whenever it works.
    But, use define where it does not work.

    You need to use define when it is an array dimension; that is the first place that constants do not work in C that I run across on a normal daily use.

    Note: There is also enum types.

    EDIT: Your code does *not* use a constant!!!

    Tim S.
    Last edited by stahta01; 11-29-2019 at 12:11 AM.
    "...a computer is a stupid machine with the ability to do incredibly smart things, while computer programmers are smart people with the ability to do incredibly stupid things. They are,in short, a perfect match.." Bill Bryson

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by stahta01 View Post
    EDIT: Your code does *not* use a constant!!!

    Tim S.
    My mistake

    Code:
    #include <stdio.h> 
    int main(void)
    {
       const int x = 20;
         
       printf("x = %d \n", x);
        
       return 0;
    }
    Quote Originally Posted by stahta01 View Post
    Use constant whenever it works.
    But, use define where it does not work.
    .
    Thanks Tim S you gave one example of array. I have still doubt I am looking good reason to use constant / define

    My question is which one should we really need ?
    Last edited by skyr6546; 11-29-2019 at 12:26 AM.

  4. #4
    Registered User Sir Galahad's Avatar
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    Best rule of thumb: if the job can be done without it, use something else. Most useful thing about a #define is conditional compilation anyway...

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