> Languages and APIs > The ILOG CPLEX Callable Library > ILOG CPLEX Programming Practices > Symbolic Constants

Most ILOG CPLEX routines return or require values that are defined as symbolic constants in the header file (that is, the include file) cplex.h. This practice of using symbolic constants, rather than hard-coded numeric values, is highly recommend. Symbolic names improve the readability of calling applications. Moreover, if numeric values happen to change in subsequent releases of the product, the symbolic names will remain the same, thus making applications easier to maintain.