[Hunter-Digital]

I keep seeing all sorts of opinions regarding the best way of storing repeated strings... I need this clarified :}

So, #define or new const ?

[ot_207]

const.
Better.

[fysiks]

I agree with ot. When you use a preprocessor define you are essentially 'hard coding' it into your plugin source every single time you use it. If you use a const then it is only stored once. So, if you use a string 10 times you are using 10 times the memory when using a define.

[Bugsy]

Just in addition to fysiks post:

If a value is only being used once then it doesn't matter since the compiler will simply replace the #define symbol in your code with the value; using a const instead of a #define will provide no benefit since a const will store the value in memory just one time identical to how #define would with one usage. If the value is used more than once using #define, you will be consuming X times the amount of memory. With a const, the value is stored in a variable so the same memory is referenced each time it is used in your code.

[Hunter-Digital]

I was living a lie !!!! well, thanks for replies

Hmm... also, is there any diff between "new const" and just "const" ?

[Bugsy]

No difference, but new is required when defining an array.

[ConnorMcLeod]

For arrays i understand why const is better, but for integers :

why :

const m_LastHitGroup = 75

would be better than

#define m_LastHitGroup 75

??

[Bugsy]

Originally Posted by ConnorMcLeod For arrays i understand why const is better, but for integers : why : const m_LastHitGroup = 75 would be better than #define m_LastHitGroup 75 ??

I don't think there is a difference besides the define having no type (tag checking in Pawn) checking and potential order-of-operations issues (which parenthesis can likely fix). There is plenty of discussion on the net regarding this.

[fysiks]

Originally Posted by ConnorMcLeod For arrays i understand why const is better, but for integers : why : const m_LastHitGroup = 75 would be better than #define m_LastHitGroup 75 ??

It's still the same logic. It's just not as significant becuase it is only 4 bytes in stead of 4*(strlen + 1).

[Bugsy]

Originally Posted by fysiks It's still the same logic. It's just not as significant becuase it is only 4 bytes in stead of 4*(strlen + 1).

In this case, the question is whether or not a memory address occupies a cell of memory when a variable is used. If so there will be no difference between #define and const for integers.