Choosing Names

Lecture Notes for CS 190
Winter 2018
John Ousterhout

  • Reading: Chapter 12 of book
  • Name choice has a significant impact on system complexity
  • Goal: create an image in the mind of the reader
  • Be precise and specific
    • As much information as possible in a few words (but not too long)
  • Be consistent:
    • Always use the same variable name for the same kind of object
    • Avoid using the same name to refer to different kinds of things
  • Exception: very short names such as i OK for highly localized usage
    • Example: short loops.
    • But, still be consistent!