The difference between Constant and Literal

When used as nouns, constant means that which is permanent or invariable, whereas literal means a value, as opposed to an identifier, written into the source code of a computer program.

When used as adjectives, constant means unchanged through time or space, whereas literal means exactly as stated.

check bellow for the other definitions of Constant and Literal

  1. Constant as an adjective:

    Unchanged through time or space; permanent.

  2. Constant as an adjective:

    Consistently recurring over time; persistent.

  3. Constant as an adjective:

    Steady in purpose, action, feeling, etc.

  4. Constant as an adjective:

    Firm; solid; not fluid.

  5. Constant as an adjective (obsolete):

    Consistent; logical.

  1. Constant as a noun:

    That which is permanent or invariable.

  2. Constant as a noun (algebra):

    A quantity that remains at a fixed value throughout a given discussion.

  3. Constant as a noun (science):

    Any property of an experiment, determined numerically, that does not change under given circumstances.

  4. Constant as a noun (computing):

    An identifier that is bound to an invariant value; a fixed value given a name to aid in readability of source code.

  1. Literal as an adjective:

    Exactly as stated; read or understood without additional interpretation; according to the letter or verbal expression; real; not figurative or metaphorical.

    Examples:

    "The literal translation is “hands full of bananas” but it means empty-handed."

  2. Literal as an adjective:

    Following the letter or exact words; not free; not taking liberties.

    Examples:

    "A literal reading of the law would prohibit it, but that is clearly not the intent."

  3. Literal as an adjective (uncommon):

    Consisting of, or expressed by, letters.

    Examples:

    "a literal equation"

  4. Literal as an adjective (of a person):

    Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of-fact.

  1. Literal as a noun (programming):

    A value, as opposed to an identifier, written into the source code of a computer program.

    Examples:

    "synonyms: literal constant"

  2. Literal as a noun (logic):

    A propositional variable or the negation of a propositional variable.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resolution_%28logic%29]

Compare words:

Compare with synonyms and related words: