<!--
title: Consistent naming standards
domain: data-systems
topic: Naming Conventions
language: Python
source: pola-rs/polars
updated: 2025-05-18
url: https://awesomereviewers.com/reviewers/polars-consistent-naming-standards/
-->

Maintain consistent and standardized naming throughout the codebase:

1. **Use snake_case for multi-word identifiers**: Separate words in variable names, function names, and parameters with underscores.

2. **Be consistent with identifier names**: Use the same name for a concept throughout function signatures, implementations, and documentation.

3. **Choose descriptive, semantic names**: Select names that clearly reflect the purpose and context of the identifier. More specific names improve code clarity and maintainability.

Example:
```python
# Incorrect
def filter(self, predicate: Expr, *, use_abspath: bool = False) -> Series:
    """
    Filter elements by expr
    """
    # implementation using expr

# Correct
def filter(self, predicate: Expr, *, use_abs_path: bool = False) -> Series:
    """
    Filter elements by predicate
    """
    # implementation using predicate
    
# More descriptive naming
MaintainOrderJoin: TypeAlias = Literal["none", "left", "right", "left_right", "right_left"]
```

Consistent naming reduces cognitive load, improves code readability, and helps prevent bugs that could arise from naming confusion.