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c#constantsclass-constants

Difference between literal string and constants

I am about to replace all the literal string in the message with the constants. But really wanted to know is there any performance optimization behind this or is just for following coding standards. In below sample I have class Constants.

What are benefits of 

var a=xmlNode.SelectNodes(Constants.DimLink);

Over

var a=xmlNode.SelectNodes("DimensionPointLink");
Solution

  • Using Constants will gain you with maintainability, ease of development and less error prone and not performance.

    For instance you use the Constants.DimLink at multiple places in your code, then if in case it's value need to be changed, you need to change in just single place, making your code more maintainable and less error prone.

    You will also find constants helpful if you group the constant values as per their usages, then VS intellisence will help developer is using the correct constant value. This will help in consistency of application.