Question

To define constants, what is the more common and correct way? What is the cost, in terms of compilation, linking, etc., of defining constants with #define? It is another way less expensive?

Answer 1

The best way to define any const is to write

const int m = 7;
const float pi = 3.1415926f;
const char x = 'F';

Using #define is a bad c++ style. It is impossible to hide #define in namespace scope.

Compare

#define pi 3.1415926

with

namespace myscope {
const float pi = 3.1415926f;
}

Second way is obviously better.