The Weight of Naming Things
There are two hard things in computer science: cache invalidation, naming things, and off-by-one errors. The naming one doesn’t get enough respect.
Why Names Matter
A variable called data tells you nothing. A variable called unprocessedUserSubmissions tells you everything. The time you spend naming things well is paid back every time someone reads your code — including future you, who will have forgotten everything.
The Naming Spectrum
x — You’re either doing math or you’ve given up
temp — You promised yourself you’d rename it
handleClick — What does it handle? Why does it click?
submitPaymentAndUpdateInventory — Now we’re talking
Functions
Function names should be verbs. If your function name doesn’t contain a verb, it’s probably lying about what it does. userValidation is a noun pretending to be a function. validateUser is honest.
The Rename Refactor
Renaming a function across a codebase takes five minutes and improves clarity for years. It’s the highest ROI refactor available. Do it more often.
The old maps named the deep places. Not for decoration — so that sailors who came after would know where they were.
— JP, from the void.