methodnames

Method names are identifiers used to invoke behavior on objects or classes in object-oriented programming. They form part of an API’s surface and should communicate the action or result of the method. A well-chosen name aids readability, maintainability, and discoverability.

Naming generally follows verbs or verb phrases for operations (calculate, update, fetch) and sometimes nouns for accessors that return data (name, size). Prefer names that describe the effect, not the implementation. For boolean results, prefixes like is, has, or can are common (isVisible, hasChildren). For getters and setters, languages vary in whether explicit getX or setX methods are required when property syntax exists.

Language conventions vary: Java and JavaScript typically use lowerCamelCase for methods (startEngine, calculateTotal); C# uses PascalCase for methods (StartEngine); Python and Ruby prefer snake_case (calculate_total, get_name); Swift and Kotlin use lowerCamelCase (calculateTotal, isVisible).

Best practices include consistency within a project, conciseness with clarity, avoiding abbreviations, and using action-oriented names that reflect behavior. Consider API consistency across modules and document any side effects. Avoid overly long names, but aim for explicitness; in some languages, preferring properties over get/set prefixes can improve readability.

In library design, method names help establish the contract and influence usability through documentation, IDE support, and discoverability. Thoughtful naming reduces friction when chaining calls or composing APIs and contributes to a stable, intuitive developer experience.