variablename

Variablename, in programming, refers to the identifier assigned to a storage location that holds a value. It acts as a symbolic handle by which a program references data during execution. The exact rules for variablenames vary by language, but common constraints include that identifiers use letters, digits, and underscores; they must not begin with a digit; and they are typically case sensitive. Reserved keywords are not allowed as variablenames in most languages.

Identifiers are subject to stylistic conventions that differ between languages and communities. Many languages distinguish between camelCase (example: totalPrice), PascalCase (Example: TotalPrice), and snake_case (example: total_price). Some languages restrict allowed characters to ASCII, while others permit Unicode letters. In practice, variablenames should be chosen to reflect the meaning of the data they store and to improve readability.

Guidelines for good naming include using descriptive, unambiguous names, avoiding single-letter identifiers except for common loop counters or trivial cases, and keeping names consistent within a project. It is also important to avoid reserved keywords, avoid naming conflicts with existing identifiers in the same scope, and be mindful of shadowing when a local variablename hides another in an outer scope.

Variablenames are subject to tooling and language features such as linters, compilers, and IDE hints that enforce naming rules and detect potential ambiguities. Following clear conventions and documenting any project-specific rules helps maintainable code and reduces errors related to misinterpreted identifiers.