title: Constant conditions in if statements
body: <p>Sometimes I find that preprocessor directives aren't flexible enough for my application, so I've been wondering if it is possible to exchange the <code>#if</code> functionality of the preprocessor.</p>
  
  <p>Example:</p>
  
  <pre><code>const bool Debug = false;
  if (Debug)
  {
      ...
  }
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Will the if statement and its content be removed by the <strong>compiler</strong>? Alternatively, if a the <code>Debug</code> constant's value is <code>true</code>, will the compiler remove the condition check and keep the contents in place?  </p>