A preprocessor directive that enables the substitution of code snippets before compilation on Apple’s mobile operating system facilitates streamlined development. For instance, defining a constant value applicable across numerous files can be achieved, promoting code reusability and consistency.
The employment of these directives can significantly reduce code redundancy, improve readability, and simplify maintenance. Historically, they have been a core technique for conditional compilation, allowing for different code paths depending on the target platform or build configuration. This capability is vital for optimizing applications for diverse device capabilities.