Procedure names should reflect what they do; function…
“Procedure names should reflect what they do; function names should reflect what they return”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Names should describe behavior and outcomes clearly for readability and maintenance.
In simple terms: Names should describe what they do and return.
Key Takeaway
Choose descriptive names.
Themes
clarity
maintainability
software design
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
instructional
technical
When to use this quote
- code reviews
- team onboarding
- API design
- refactoring
Key Concepts
semantic naming
function contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when a name is descriptive enough?
- What conventions help keep naming consistent?
A Different Perspective
Names alone cannot guarantee understandability without documentation.