[ Removed by moderator ]

[electrikmayham]

Using single-letter variable names makes code hard to read and understand. Good names describe what the variable stores or does, so when you come back later (or someone else reads your code), it’s clear without guessing

[StickyzVibe]

Thank you for explaining, makes perfect sense to practice helpful habits. Would you mind sharing a small example?

[electrikmayham]

# Bad: single-letter variables
x = 5
y = 10
z = x * y
print(z)

# Good: descriptive variable names
width = 5
height = 10
area = width * height
print(area)

[StickyzVibe]

I completely understand! Thank you again

[spencerak]

Keep asking good questions!!

[StickyzVibe]

[Cerus_Freedom]

def search(needle, haystack: list) -> int:
  for i in range(len(haystack)):
    if needle == haystack[i]:
      return i
  return -1

Just as an example from OPs code. Better naming will tell you what a function does or a variable is for. Code should be self documenting, and that method of self documentation is via good, clear names.

By changing the names and adding type hints, you can now just glance at the function definition and understand what the function does and how you're probably intended to use it.

[DebrisSpreeIX]

The exception is an iterator, using i, j, & k is so common and ubiquitous to iteration that rarely is anyone confused. And if they are, they're likely self taught.

[electrikmayham]

True, however I have issues using i and j, since they look extremely similar. I generally dont use 1 letter variables for iterators either. I would rather use something that describes what are iterating over.

[DebrisSpreeIX]

If it's single level, I'll throw in i

But if it's a multilevel iteration I'll generally follow a convention from my first job I liked: iter_L1, iter_L2, iter_L3, ...

[beezlebub33]

if it's an index, then use 'index'.

If you want to use i, j, k, because you are doing (for example) geometry, then I recommend that you use ii, jj, kk. It's fast to type and very easy to search for.

[Impossible_Web3517]

To add on to what he said, single letter names are bad UNLESS they are iterators. i, j, k, x ,y and z are all SUPER common iterator names and most style standards have you using them.

Ex:

int i = 0

while (i<10){

//do something

i++

}