A plea for better variable names

[Keith Thompson]

When posting sample code here, please choose decent variable names.

The worst name I've seen in common use here is "a". Since "a" is also
a common English word, it's difficult to discuss it clearly.

For small test programs, names should usually reflect either the
type of a variable or its purpose. "i" or "n" is ok for an int,
"f" for a double, "p" for a pointer. "l" for a long isn't good,
since it's too difficult to distinguish from "1".

For a very short program, "x", "y", and "z" are ok.

For longer programs, most variable names should be longer than one
character, and should reflect the variable's purpose.

But even just using "x" and "y" rather than "a" and "b" would make
life easier for those of us who are trying to help you.

Thanks.

 

[Antoninus Twink]

When posting sample code here, please choose decent variable names.

The worst name I've seen in common use here is "a". Since "a" is also
a common English word, it's difficult to discuss it clearly.

For small test programs, names should usually reflect either the
type of a variable or its purpose. "i" or "n" is ok for an int,
"f" for a double, "p" for a pointer. "l" for a long isn't good,
since it's too difficult to distinguish from "1".

For a very short program, "x", "y", and "z" are ok.

For longer programs, most variable names should be longer than one
character, and should reflect the variable's purpose.

But even just using "x" and "y" rather than "a" and "b" would make
life easier for those of us who are trying to help you.

Thanks.

Hilarious, Han! Good to see you back.

That's uncannily good.