Should I abbreviate variable names?

8 Answers. The standard I use is to not abbreviate variable names unless the abbreviation is more readable than the full version ( i for iteration indices, for instance). We name things so that we can communicate. Abbreviating variable names typically just lessens their ability to communicate.

Why are meaningful variable names important while coding?

Keep object names short: this makes them easier to read when scanning through code. Use meaningful names: A meaningful or expressive variable name will be eaiser for someone to understand. For example: precip is a more useful name that tells us something about the object compared to x or a .

How should variables be named?

Rules of naming variables

1. Name your variables based on the terms of the subject area, so that the variable name clearly describes its purpose.
2. Create variable names by deleting spaces that separate the words.
3. Do not begin variable names with an underscore.
4. Do not use variable names that consist of a single character.

Why do variable names matter?

They allow logic to occur, enabling developers to measure time, analyze data, and customize the program to the user. Variables are so important to the code that they deserve a good name that accurately describes their purpose.

Why it is a good idea to use meaningful variable names?

Each variable is named so it is clear which variable is being used at any time. It is important to use meaningful names for variables: The name given to each variable is up to the programmer, but ideally a variable name should have meaning, ie it should reflect the value that it is holding.

Why is naming programming important?

Reasons for using a naming convention (as opposed to allowing programmers to choose any character sequence) include the following: To reduce the effort needed to read and understand source code; To enable code reviews to focus on issues more important than syntax and naming standards.

Is it okay to abbreviate variable names?

The standard I use is to not abbreviate variable names unless the abbreviation is more readable than the full version ( i for iteration indices, for instance). We name things so that we can communicate.

Why are variable names important in programming?

Variable names and function names are typically the only bits of human language in the code and so act both as ‘landmarks’ for the human eye to find relevant portions of code (or, in a large codebase, tools like grep or ack) and also as clues for comprehension. When the next person comes to read your code, they will thank you for it.

What is the best way to name index variables?

* Most index variables need no extra explanation. There are several techniques to improve a loop’s readability. However, using index or nth as index rarely improves anything. Good variable names come from the same place all good programming practices stem from: empathy.

What variable names should be avoided in Python?

Thus, variable names such as muuttuja (which is also not a good name on other levels) should be avoided. Not contain special characters. Python supports use of special characters by way of various encoding options that can be given in a program.