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Stephanie Opala
Stephanie Opala

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Writing clean JavaScript code: Variables

What is clean code? It is code that is easy to understand by humans and easy to change or extend.
In this post, I will cover JavaScript clean coding best practices when it comes to variables.

  • Use meaningful and pronounceable variables. You should name your variables such that they reveal the intention behind it. This makes it easier to read and understand.

DON'T

 let fName = "Stephanie";
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DO

 let firstName = "Stephanie";
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  • Use ES6 constants when variable values do not change.
    At this point, you have interacted with JavaScript ES6 severally/ a few times depending on your level of expertise therefore, keep this in mind.

  • Use the same vocabulary for the same type of variable.

DON'T

getUserInfo();
getClientData();
getCustomerRecord();
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DO

getUser();
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  • Use searchable names. This is helpful when you are looking for something or refactoring your code.

DON'T

setTimeout(blastOff, 86400000); //what is 86400000???
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DO

const MILLISECONDS_IN_A_DAY = 60 * 60 * 24 * 1000; //86400000;

setTimeout(blastOff, MILLISECONDS_IN_A_DAY);
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  • Do not add unneeded context.

DON'T

const Laptop = {
 laptopMake: "Dell",
 laptopColor: "Grey",
 laptopPrice: 2400
};
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DO

const Laptop = {
 make: "Dell",
 color: "Grey",
 price: 2400
};
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Happy coding!

Top comments (1)

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muriukialex profile image
Alex

Descriptive variable names are really important for maintenability of code. 👏