How Does Python\'s PEP 8 Guide Variable and Function Naming?

Python Coding Convention: Variable and Function Naming

In Python, naming conventions for variables and functions differ from common conventions in other languages like C#. This article explores the naming conventions used in Python.

Naming Conventions:

Python's PEP 8 (Style Guide for Python Code) recommends the following naming conventions:

• Variables:

  • Use snake_case (lowercase words separated by underscores)
  • Avoid leading/trailing underscores

• Functions:

  • Use lowercase words separated by underscores
  • Capitalize words only when necessary for readability

Example:

# Variable
this_is_my_variable = 'a'

# Function
def this_is_my_function():
    pass

Rationale:

Snake case improves readability by clearly separating words. It also eliminates the need for capitalization, which can be confusing when coding in a language with dynamic typing.

Other Conventions:

• Class Names: Use CapitalizedWords
• Constants: Use uppercase words separated by underscores
• Exceptions: Exceptions are typically classes named as, e.g., ValueError

Note:

Mixed case (e.g., thisIsMyMethod) is generally discouraged, but it may be used in contexts with existing code using that style to maintain compatibility.

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