Code Complete, 2nd Edition

Naming Specific Types of Data

In addition to the general considerations in naming data, special considerations come up in the naming of specific kinds of data. This section describes considerations specifically for loop variables, status variables, temporary variables, boolean variables, enumerated types, and named constants.

Naming Loop Indexes

Cross-Reference

For details on loops, see Chapter 16.

Guidelines for naming variables in loops have arisen because loops are such a common feature of computer programming. The names i, j, and k are customary:

Example 11-4. Java Example of a Simple Loop Variable Name

for ( i = firstItem; i < lastItem; i++ ) {
   data[ i ] = 0;
}

If a variable is to be used outside the loop, it should be given a name more meaningful ...