Introduction to Naming Conventions

Overview

Naming conventions provide a structured approach to naming system elements, ensuring clarity, consistency, and ease of understanding. A well-defined naming standard enhances communication, improves maintainability, and reduces ambiguity, especially in environments where structured naming is essential.

This document outlines best practices for naming various components—such as variables, functions, files, and objects—to ensure a standardized approach across different use cases.

Why Naming Conventions Matter

• Improves Readability – Clear and meaningful names allow users to quickly understand the purpose of each element.
• Enhances Maintainability – A structured naming system enables easy modifications and updates without confusion.
• Facilitates Collaboration – Teams can work more effectively when adhering to a shared standard.
• Reduces Errors – Consistent naming minimizes misinterpretation, preventing unintended mistakes.

General Naming Principles

• Use Meaningful and Descriptive Names – Avoid vague or overly generic terms.

  Incorrect Example	Correct Example
  item1	customerOrder

• Follow a Consistent Casing Style – Different elements may require different casing styles:

  • Lower Camel Case (e.g., lcustomerName) for general elements
  • Pascal Case (e.g., laCustomerProfile) for structured objects

  Incorrect Example	Correct Example
  lcustomername	lcustomerName
  lacustomer_profile	laCustomerProfile

• Avoid Unnecessary Abbreviations – Use abbreviations only if they are widely recognized.

  Incorrect Example	Correct Example
  usrDta	userData

• Use Clear Prefixes for Boolean Values – Indicate true/false values with words like is, has, or can.

  Incorrect Example	Correct Example
  active	isActive

• Keep Function or Action Names Descriptive – The name should clearly indicate the function’s purpose.

  Incorrect Example	Correct Example
  fnProcess()	fnGenerateReport()

Scope of This Guide

This guide applies to:

• Naming of variables and identifiers — Ensuring clarity in data representation.
• Naming of structured elements — Standardizing names for consistency across different components.
• File and folder organization — Providing a logical structure for better accessibility.
• Special prefixes or suffixes — Establishing conventions for specific use cases.