Well just defined a name number. It is clearer, will be evaluated by the compiler and not at runtime. Definitly I think that it is a good idea to avoid using values all around the code. So: Whatever_You_Want_To_Name_It : constant := 2**4; Pascal. --|------------------------------------------------------------ --| Pascal Obry Team-Ada Member | --| | --| EDF-DER-IPN-SID- T T I | --| Intranet: http://cln46gb | --| Bureau N-023 e-mail: [log in to unmask] | --| 1 Av Général de Gaulle voice : +33-1-47.65.50.91 | --| 92141 Clamart CEDEX fax : +33-1-47.65.50.07 | --| FRANCE | --|------------------------------------------------------------ --| --| http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pascal_obry --| --| "The best way to travel is by means of imagination"