📚 Topic Summary
In programming, lists and arrays are fundamental data structures used to store collections of items. Choosing descriptive and consistent names for these lists and arrays is crucial for code readability and maintainability. Well-chosen names act as documentation, helping others (and your future self!) understand the purpose and contents of the list or array at a glance. This reduces errors, speeds up development, and makes collaboration easier.
Effective naming involves following established conventions, such as using plural nouns to indicate a collection of items and adhering to a consistent casing style (e.g., camelCase or snake_case). Avoiding ambiguous or overly short names is also essential. By adopting these best practices, you can significantly improve the clarity and quality of your code.
🧪 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Array |
A. A named storage location in the computer's memory. |
| 2. List |
B. An ordered collection of elements, often of the same data type. |
| 3. Variable |
C. A data structure that can store an ordered sequence of items, which can be of different data types. |
| 4. CamelCase |
D. A naming convention where the first word is lowercase, and subsequent words start with an uppercase letter (e.g., `myVariableName`). |
| 5. Snake_case |
E. A naming convention where words are separated by underscores (e.g., `my_variable_name`). |
🧮 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Choosing good names for lists and arrays makes code more _________ and easier to _________. Use _________ nouns to represent a collection of similar items. Follow a consistent _________ style like camelCase or snake_case for all your variables. Avoid using _________ or ambiguous names.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Why is it important to use consistent naming conventions throughout a programming project, and what are some potential consequences of inconsistent naming?