Constants

So far, we’ve been using raw numbers directly in the code. For example, in the vehicle spawning script, the model number 415 appeared several times. If you wanted to change the vehicle, you’d have to find and update every occurrence. This is error-prone and makes the code harder to read.

A constant solves this problem. It is a named value that the compiler replaces with the actual value during compilation. Unlike a variable, a constant cannot be changed at runtime.

To declare a constant, use the const keyword:

const MODEL = 415

Now, MODEL can be used anywhere in the code instead of 415:

const MODEL = 415

request_model MODEL

while not has_model_loaded MODEL
    wait 0
end

Car vehicle = create_car MODEL at 2488.6963 -1660.1608 13.3359
mark_model_as_no_longer_needed MODEL

If you decide to switch from a Cheetah to a different car, you only need to update one line.

You can declare multiple constants on a single line, separated by commas:

const KEY_F5 = 116, KEY_F6 = 117

Or use a const..end block for better readability:

const
    KEY_F5 = 116
    KEY_F6 = 117
    BONUS = 100
end

Constants can hold string values too:

const GREETING = "Hello!"
const GXT_HELP = 'SAN_AND'