It's a matter of readability.  A function call is used like a noun, so (from
the natural language point of view), the name should appear to be a noun (or
noun phrase).  Now I'll admit that a programming language is not a natural
language, so maybe this shouldn't apply.  I know that I feel more
comfortable reading " NewValue = ValueOf (Object);" than "NewValue =
GetValue (Object);"  The latter name makes me want to use "GetValue (
Object, NewValue );"

On the gripping hand, it's all a matter of what one's custom might be, isn't
it?

Phil

Phil Brashear
EDS Conformance Testing Center
4646 Needmore Road, Bin 46
P.O. Box 24593
Dayton, OH  45424-0593
(937) 237-4510
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www.eds-conform.com


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Matthew Heaney [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 1999 7:35 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Environment Variables
>
> "David C. Hoos, Sr." <[log in to unmask]> writes:
>
> > The use of verbs as the names of functions is not considered
> > good style by many authorities.
>
> Well, I'm considered an authority by some, and I say verbs are AOK for
> functions.  I routinely use Get_<noun> as the names of functions (as you
> may have noticed if you've been following my patterns articles).
>
> I call arguments like this the "argument by appeal to higher authority."