Java 8 Pocket Guide

Chapter 1. Naming Conventions

Naming conventions are used to make Java programs more readable. It is important to use meaningful and unambiguous names comprised of Java letters.

Class Names

Class names should be nouns, as they represent “things” or “objects.” They should be mixed case (camel case) with only the first letter of each word capitalized, as in the following:

public class Fish {...}

Interface Names

Interface names should be adjectives. They should end with “able” or “ible” whenever the interface provides a capability; otherwise, they should be nouns. Interface names follow the same capitalization convention as class names:

public interface Serializable {...}
public interface SystemPanel {...}

Method Names

Method names should contain a verb, as they are used to make an object take action. They should be mixed case, beginning with a lowercase letter, and the first letter of each subsequent word should be capitalized. Adjectives and nouns may be included in method names:

public void locate() {...} // verb
public String getWayPoint() {...} // verb and noun

Instance and Static Variable Names

Instance and static variable names should be nouns and should follow the same capitalization convention as method names:

private String wayPoint;

Parameter and Local Variable Names

Parameter and local variable names should be descriptive lowercase single words, acronyms, or abbreviations. If multiple words are necessary, they should follow the same capitalization convention as method names:

public