It is interesting to note that the discussion over 'how to name variables' predates even the 'structured programming revolution' (hmmm--come to think of it so do I<sigh>) And if there has been a single point of agreement over all of this time then it would be:
No matter what they are used for, there names should be meaningful!
Now there is a lofty goal if I ever saw one. 'Goal' because for all of our good intentions, there are many reasons why we miss this particular ideal. My own personal pet exception is an entire set; [i,j,k,m,n,s,t]. I use them as follows:
- i,j,k are all reserved for indexes, typically nested.
- m,n similar, but usually in some numeric context (too many days at the blackboard doing proofs I'd guess).
- s and t reserved for string parameters
Anything else tends to be meaningful--I swear!
Now if you want a real debate, consider this:
It right and just to seperate words in a name with an underbar.
Defend or attack--you have five minutes...
–hsm
"Never try to teach a pig to sing…it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."