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kotlinlang

why does `const` need to be specified explicitly? can't the compiler check automatically if the keyword is applicable ? or is there a scenario where you wouldn't want its optimizations ?

`const` gets compiled into call sites. If you're writing a library, the value of `const` properties is part of your binary compatibility contract and you can't change the values of those constants across versions without breaking other compiled code

Also, the JVM is more or less able to inline stuff at runtime anyway, so not using `const` shouldn't be too much of a difference

CONSTants are “deeply” immutable - use them for things which are not only immutable, but will NEVER change.