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Use Descriptive Function Names

Using descriptive function names is a fundamental practice in writing clean, maintainable code. A well-named function communicates its purpose clearly, reducing the need for additional comments or documentation. This pattern encourages developers to write self-explanatory code that is easier to read, understand, and debug.

Benefits

Here are some benefits of using descriptive function names:

  1. Improved Readability: A descriptive name tells you exactly what the function does, without needing to read the entire implementation. This makes it easier for developers to scan and understand code quickly.

  2. Reduced Need for Comments: When a function name clearly describes its behavior, there's less need to add comments explaining what it does. The name itself serves as documentation.

  3. Easier Maintenance: Descriptive names help you identify the right function when modifying or debugging code. They make refactoring and collaboration less error-prone, as you don't need to trace every line to understand a function's role.

  4. Enhanced Code Navigation: In larger codebases or IDEs, descriptive names make it easier to search for and locate specific functionality without digging through lines of code.

  5. Better Naming Encourages Better Design: When you're forced to think of a good name for a function, it often reveals whether the function is doing too much. If you can't summarize its behavior in a short, clear name, it might need to be split into smaller, more focused functions.

Examples

Good Example (Descriptive Name)

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function sendWelcomeEmail(userEmail) {
    // Logic to send a welcome email to a new user
}

Bad Example (Vague Name)

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function handleEmail(userEmail) {
    // What kind of email? Unclear without reading the implementation
}

In the good example, sendWelcomeEmail clearly indicates what the function does. In the bad example, handleEmail is vague—it could mean sending, receiving, validating, or logging an email.

Another Good Example

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function calculateInvoiceTotal(invoiceItems) {
    // Logic to sum up item prices, apply taxes or discounts, etc.
}

Another Bad Example

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function doStuff(items) {
    // Unclear what "stuff" means—hard to reason about
}

Considerations for Long Function Names

While descriptive function names are encouraged, excessively long names can make the code harder to read and maintain. Aim for a balance between clarity and brevity. For example, getUserFullName is usually better than getTheCompleteFullNameOfAUserFromTheDatabase.

When in doubt, prioritize clarity over shortness—especially if the function is part of a shared or public API.