Naming preference: getSupportedModes() vs supportedModes()?
-
22-09-2019 - |
Question
I'm having hard time deciding which name to choose for my method. I think they both are pretty much self-explanatory, but the latter is faster to type, so, my current preference is supportedModes(). What do you think?
Solution
To me, getSupportedModes
implies simple retrieval, whereas if there is some actual logic involved to work them out, something like determineSupportedModes
or calculateSupportedModes
may be better. The name should describe what the function does. Brevity is not a major consideration with modern IDEs with some form of autocomplete.
Different languages also have their own conventions. For example, a function called calculateSupportedModes
in Java would normally be called CalculateSupportedModes
in C# or VB.
OTHER TIPS
I would prefer the more explicit which is getSupportedModes. You don't want other developers to second guess what the method does.
Functions that act on more than just their passed arguments should be named as actions.