which is lighter variable or constant?

[DanDaBeginner]

which is lighter?

 

$var = 'hello world';

 

or

 

define("VAR","hello world");

 

Im just wondering which one is much lighter? because im trying to make a config file... and saving disk space is really my concern right now.. thanks in advance...

[Vizor]

A variable is simply a pointer to the memory where the actual variable contents are stored, the same with a constant, the only difference being that a constant can't be changed. It depends on what you're script is being used for, if it's being used alot then constants are to be avoided as php creates a new instance in the memory for each constant every time the script is run; for example if the script is accessed 5 times at the same time you end up with 5 constants in the memory. Not too sure how variables work in the same level of detail.

[DanDaBeginner]

thanks Vizor what a wonderful info you have share... any one else???