When to use a variable vs simple value returning function

To clarify what I think you mean, inline inside the code with no name to them, such as c = 6.28318530718 * r.

As opposed to putting up top @PI 3.14159265359 (dunno offhand if Elixir provides this but anyway, it could be considered “putting a constant value inside your code”, as it’s in the module) and in the code, c = 2 * @PI * r, or better yet of course circumference = 2 * @PI * radius. That would be perfectly cromulent, in fact generally the recommended way to go.

Would that be a fair interpretation of what you’re trying to say?