title: Why do most C developers use define instead of const?
body: <p>In many programs a <code>#define</code> serves the same purpose as a constant.  For example.</p>
  
  <pre><code>#define FIELD_WIDTH 10
  const int fieldWidth = 10;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I commonly see the first form preferred over the other, relying on the pre-processor to handle what is basically an application decision.  Is there a reason for this tradition?</p>