What is the general accepted way to name variables that end and start with the same letter?

Question

Is something like this acceptable or is it frowned upon?

String newsSymbol

It just looks strange to me, but it's the best way to describe what the variable is and the data it will hold. I could rename it to something like

String articleSymbol

but then I'd have to rename a whole other bunch of variables.

What are your thoughts? Yay or nay?

Answer 1

I'd just go with newsSymbol. (Or, if you prefer, news_symbol. If local conventions prefer that style, of course.) Just remember to read as two words, not one.

But take care to not mulch the letters together! Going to newSymbol would be bad, as that's now read as “new symbol”, with a totally different interpretation.

Answer 2

If you can read it, and it communicates the appropriate information clearly, then we don't care if it "looks weird". :)

Answer 3

Looks great to me. Assuming the standard for you is camel case for your variable names. The main thing is to use your standard. Another option would be news_symbol.

Answer 4

Just follow your selected Naming Convention. Even if it looks wierd.