Excerpt
Lowercase variable naming is the norm in many languages. Learn why this convention emerged and its advantages.
If you’ve done any amount of programming in languages like Python, JavaScript, Go, Ruby, etc., you’ve likely noticed a convention - variables are almost always written in lowercase. But why is this standard practice? In this post, we’ll examine the history, advantages, and reasons behind using lowercase for variables.
A Brief History
The convention of lowercase variables originated in the early days of programming languages like C and Unix scripting. Early languages like FORTRAN (1955) actually used uppercase for variables, following mathematical notation at the time.
But as new languages like C (1972) and Python (1991) emerged, the style shifted towards preferring lowercase. Some reasons include:
- Improved readability on lower-resolution screens
- Differentiation from constant and class names
- Consistency with English prose and naming
The lowercase style stuck and became widespread across modern languages. It’s now a standard convention in Python, JavaScript, Go, Ruby, Rust, etc.
Advantages of Lowercase Variables
Using lowercase for variables provides several advantages:
Readability
Lowercase text is easier to quickly parse and scan through. All-caps text slows reading. Code is read far more often than written, so optimizing for comprehension makes sense.
Avoids Conflicts
Using lowercase for variables keeps them distinct from class names and constants which are often camelCase or SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE. It reduces naming collisions.
Consistency
The lowercase convention creates consistency across different languages and codebases. It’s a shared idiom that improves comprehension.
Differentiation
Lowercase variables stand out from language keywords, builtins, and types which are frequently capitalized or camelCase.
Exceptions and Use Cases
While lowercase is the norm, there are some exceptions:
- UPPERCASE constants in languages like C++ and Ruby
- PascalCase for class names in OOP languages
- Acronyms and abbreviations sometimes capitalized
- Language-specific conventions like Hungarian notation
- Configurable naming styles
The most common deviation is using uppercase for constants and enums. But these stand out explicitly as non-variables.
Best Practices
Some tips for leveraging lowercase variables effectively:
- Use lowercase consistently - Follow the standard convention
- Adhere to language conventions - Use appropriate case styles
- Lint and format code - Enforce via automation
- Improve readability - Use full names not abbreviations
- Avoid single letters - Exceptions for counters and loops
Overall, keeping variables lowercase improves collaboration, readability, and maintainability.
Conclusion
Lowercase variable naming has become the de facto standard across most programming languages. The convention originated for improved readability and differentiation. It helps avoid conflicts, while creating consistency across codebases.
There are some exceptions based on language-specific conventions and special types like constants. But adhering to lowercase as the norm provides tangible benefits for comprehension and collaboration. Following shared idioms like this improves any codebase.
So whether you’re writing Python, JavaScript, Go, or Ruby, favor lowercase for defining clean, readable variable names that stand the test of time. Your future self and other developers will thank you!
