Const
Const
In computer programming, the term const is a keyword used in various programming languages to define a constant. A constant is a value that cannot be altered by the program during its execution. The use of constants can help improve the readability and maintainability of code by providing meaningful names for fixed values and preventing accidental modification of these values.
Usage in Different Programming Languages[edit | edit source]
C and C++[edit | edit source]
In C and C++, the `const` keyword is used to declare variables whose value cannot be changed after initialization. For example: ```c const int MAX_USERS = 100; ``` In this example, `MAX_USERS` is a constant integer with a value of 100. Any attempt to modify `MAX_USERS` after its initialization will result in a compilation error.
JavaScript[edit | edit source]
In JavaScript, the `const` keyword is used to declare variables that are block-scoped and cannot be reassigned. For example: ```javascript const PI = 3.14159; ``` Here, `PI` is a constant with a value of 3.14159. It cannot be reassigned to a different value within the same scope.
Java[edit | edit source]
In Java, the `final` keyword is used to define constants. For example: ```java public static final int MAX_USERS = 100; ``` In this case, `MAX_USERS` is a constant integer with a value of 100, and it cannot be changed once it is initialized.
Python[edit | edit source]
In Python, there is no built-in `const` keyword. However, by convention, constants are usually defined using uppercase variable names: ```python MAX_USERS = 100 ``` While this does not enforce immutability, it signals to other programmers that the value should not be changed.
Benefits of Using Constants[edit | edit source]
- Readability: Constants provide meaningful names for fixed values, making the code easier to read and understand.
- Maintainability: Constants make it easier to update values that are used in multiple places within a program. Changing the value of a constant in one place updates it everywhere it is used.
- Safety: Constants prevent accidental modification of values that should remain unchanged, reducing the likelihood of bugs.
Related Concepts[edit | edit source]
- Variable (computer science)
- Immutable object
- Literal (computer programming)
- Scope (computer science)
See Also[edit | edit source]
- C (programming language)
- C++
- JavaScript
- Java (programming language)
- Python (programming language)
- Programming language
This programming related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD