(C++) const variable

 

The value of a variable that is declared const cannot be changed after initialization.

 

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const int notesPerChord = 12;

 

The compiler will emit an error or warning if accidentally try to change the value of a const variable.

 

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const int notesPerChord = 12; //... ++notesPerChord; //ERROR! Cannot change a constant

 

Use const whenever possible [1-5].

 

Exercise 5: the many types of const is an exercise about the many types of const.

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

1. Bjarne Stroustrup. The C++ Programming Language (3rd edition). ISBN: 0-201-88954-4 7.9.3: 'Use const extensively and consistently'
2. Scott Meyers. Effective C++ (3rd edition).ISBN: 0-321-33487-6. Item 3: 'Use const whenever possible'
3. Jarrod Hollingworth, Bob Swart, Mark Cashman, Paul Gustavson. Sams C++ Builder 6 Developer's Guide. ISBN: 0-672-32480-6. Chapter 3: 'Understand and use const in your code'
4. Jesse Liberty. Sams teach yourself C++ in 24 hours. ISBN: 0-672-32224-2. Hour 8, chapter 'Const member functions': 'Use const whenever possible'
5. Scott Meyers. Effective C++ (3rd edition). ISBN: 0-321-33487-6. Item 2: 'Prefer consts, enums and inlines to #defines'
6. Herb Sutter, Andrei Alexandrescu. C++ coding standards: 101 rules, guidelines, and best practices. ISBN: 0-32-111358-6. Item 15: 'Use const proactively'