Constants and Configuration Values

Avoid hardcoded values throughout your codebase. Use constants, configuration files, and enums to make your application more maintainable, refactorable, and debuggable.

The Problem with Hardcoded Values

// BAD: Magic numbers and strings scattered everywhere
if ($user->role === 'admin') { // What other roles exist?
    $cacheTime = 3600; // What does 3600 mean?
}

if ($order->status === 1) { // What does 1 represent?
    $discount = 0.15; // Why 15%?
}

Cache::remember('users_list', 600, fn() => ...); // 600 what?