What is a good naming convention for vars, methods, etc in C++? [closed]

Answer 1

I actually often use Java style: PascalCase for type names, camelCase for functions and variables, CAPITAL_WORDS for preprocessor macros. I prefer that over the Boost/STL conventions because you don't have to suffix types with _type. E.g.

Size size();

instead of

size_type size();   // I don't like suffixes

This has the additional benefit that the StackOverflow code formatter recognizes Size as a type name ;-)

Answer 2

While many people will suggest more or less strict Hungarian notation variants (scary!), for naming suggestions I'd suggest you take a look at Google C++ Coding Guidelines. This may well be not the most popular naming conventions, but at least it's fairly complete. Apart from sound naming conventions, there's some useful guidelines there, however much of it should be taken with a grain of salt (exception ban for example, and the tendency to keep away from modern C++ coding style).

Although personally I like the extreme low-tech convention style of STL and Boost ;).

Answer 3

It really doesn't matter. Just make sure you name your variables and functions descriptively. Also be consistent.

Nowt worse than seeing code like this:

int anInt;                  // Great name for a variable there ...
int myVar = Func( anInt );  // And on this line a great name for a function and myVar
                            // lacks the consistency already, poorly, laid out! 

Edit: As pointed out by my commenter that consistency needs to be maintained across an entire team. As such it doesn't matter WHAT method you chose, as long as that consistency is maintained. There is no right or wrong method, however. Every team I've worked in has had different ideas and I've adapted to those.

Answer 4

We follow the guidelines listed on this page: C++ Programming Style Guidelines

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I'd also recommend you read The Elements of C++ Style by Misfeldt et al, which is quite an excellent book on this topic.

Answer 5

There are probably as many naming conventions as there are individuals, the debate being as endless (and sterile) as to which brace style to use and so forth.

So I'll have 2 advices:

• be consistent within a project
• don't use reserved identifiers (anything with two underscores or beginning with an underscore followed by an uppercase letter)

The rest is up to you.

Answer 6

For what it is worth, Bjarne Stroustrup, the original author of C++ has his own favorite style, described here: http://www.stroustrup.com/bs_faq2.html