oliverdavies.uk/content/node.82672338-b561-408d-a17e-902c1f37e6a9.yml

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title:
- value: "Please don't use short variable names"
created:
- value: '2024-01-17T00:00:00+00:00'
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body:
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<p>When learning to code, one of the most confusing things was using short variable names in documentation and other people's code.</p>
<p>Things like <code>$k</code> and <code>$v</code> instead of <code>$key</code> and <code>$value</code> within loops, <code>$i</code> instead of <code>$index</code>, or <code>$e</code> when working with Exceptions.</p>
<p>I've also seen slightly better names, such as <code>$idx</code> for index or <code>$ctx</code> for context.</p>
<p>But what does this achieve?</p>
<p>Why not write the full variable name and clarify what it refers to?</p>
<p>It would be easier to read and understand for anyone reading the code, including Junior Developers and people new to your team or application.</p>
<p>There are no limitations - at least in the languages I use - to force this, such as a maximum number of characters in a file, so why not write the full variable name?</p>
<p>The only reason I can think of is to save time by pressing fewer keys, but code is read more than written, so it should be optimised for readability.</p>
<p>Your tests and CI pipeline don't have a preference.</p>
<p>The people reading the code will.</p>
format: full_html
processed: |
<p>When learning to code, one of the most confusing things was using short variable names in documentation and other people's code.</p>
<p>Things like <code>$k</code> and <code>$v</code> instead of <code>$key</code> and <code>$value</code> within loops, <code>$i</code> instead of <code>$index</code>, or <code>$e</code> when working with Exceptions.</p>
<p>I've also seen slightly better names, such as <code>$idx</code> for index or <code>$ctx</code> for context.</p>
<p>But what does this achieve?</p>
<p>Why not write the full variable name and clarify what it refers to?</p>
<p>It would be easier to read and understand for anyone reading the code, including Junior Developers and people new to your team or application.</p>
<p>There are no limitations - at least in the languages I use - to force this, such as a maximum number of characters in a file, so why not write the full variable name?</p>
<p>The only reason I can think of is to save time by pressing fewer keys, but code is read more than written, so it should be optimised for readability.</p>
<p>Your tests and CI pipeline don't have a preference.</p>
<p>The people reading the code will.</p>
summary: null
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