Naming conventions for "number of foos" variables

Question

Let's suppose that I need to store the number of foo objects in a variable.

Not being a native English speaker, I always wonder what's the best (= short and immediately clear) name for that var.

foo_num? num_foo? no_foo? foo_no? or something else?

The full name should be number_of_foos, but it's a bit verbose.

What's your favorite and why?

Answer 1

Since the variable stores the count of the number of foo objects, fooCount gets my vote.

Answer 2

I'd go for fooCount

Answer 3

I tend to use fooCount or similar.

Answer 4

fooCount if the variable isn't a constant, FOO_COUNT if it is. :D

Answer 5

The Linux kernel uses "nr_foo", which is better than "no_foo" (that looks like a negation). I myself tend to use "fooCount" or "fooCnt", but also sometimes "numFoo". I'm not sure why I vacillate between "fooCount" and "numFoo". Guess it depends on my mood. But you, you should be consistent (as should I) ;)

Answer 6

Mostly fooCount like everybody said. Sometimes it is more appropriate to use foos, usually when you don't actually have the list of foos, or they aren't separate objects (e.g. seconds; for a pizza you can have slices, etc.)

Only use foos when there's no chance of confusion though - when it's obvious that you'd never have a list of foos in this context.

Answer 7

Foo, bar, fred, wilma, barney, betty, pebbles, bambam.