When programming in Python, it is important to follow certain naming conventions to ensure readability and maintainability of your code. This includes naming constants using a consistent naming style. In this blog post, we will explore the recommended naming style for constants in Python, known as “constant naming style.”

What are constants?

Constants are variables whose values do not change during the execution of a program. They are typically used to store values that are meant to remain constant throughout the code.

What is constant naming style?

According to the Python style guide, PEP 8, constant names should be written in uppercase letters with words separated by underscores. This style is commonly referred to as “CONSTANT_NAMING_STYLE” or “UPPER_CASE_WITH_UNDERSCORES”. Here are a few examples to illustrate this style:

MAX_VALUE = 100
PI = 3.14159
DEFAULT_MESSAGE = "Hello, world!"

Advantages of constant naming style

Using constant naming style offers several advantages:

1. Readability: Constants written in uppercase letters stand out from other variable names, making it easier to differentiate them.

2. Consistency: Following the established naming style makes your code more consistent, especially when working on larger projects with multiple contributors.

3. Maintainability: Constants written in uppercase are less likely to be accidentally modified, reducing the chances of introducing bugs into your code.

4. Conformance: Adhering to the recommended naming style is a good practice as it aligns with the standards followed by the broader Python community.

Constant naming style considerations

While using constant naming style is widely accepted, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Avoid excessively long names: While it is encouraged to use descriptive names, excessively long constants can negatively impact code readability.

• Use underscores for multiple words: To improve readability, use underscores to separate multiple words in a constant name, rather than concatenating them without any separators.

• Use all-uppercase letters: Be consistent and use only uppercase letters for constants to differentiate them from other variable names.

• Choose meaningful names: As with any variable, choose meaningful names that accurately represent the purpose or value of the constant.

Conclusion

Following the constant naming style in Python, by using uppercase letters and underscores, is a recommended practice that improves the readability and maintainability of your code. Consistently applying this style helps to distinguish constants from other variables and reduces the chances of accidental modifications. By adhering to the established standards, your code can be more easily understood and collaboratively maintained.

For more information on Python coding style guidelines, please refer to PEP 8 - Style Guide for Python Code.