Which variable naming convention helps maintain clarity in variable purpose?

Using descriptive variable names is a key practice in programming that significantly enhances the clarity and maintainability of code. When variables are named descriptively, they reflect the specific role or purpose they serve within the program. For instance, naming a variable userAge immediately communicates that the variable is intended to store the age of a user, while a name like x or even something nonsensical does not convey any meaningful information about the variable's content or intended use.

Descriptive names also aid other programmers (or even yourself at a later time) in understanding the code without needing additional comments or documentation. This level of clarity in variable naming helps prevent confusion and mistakes that can arise from misinterpreting a variable's purpose, ultimately leading to more efficient debugging and improved collaboration in code development.

By emphasizing readability and understanding through good naming conventions, developers can create code that is easier to follow, reducing the cognitive load required to grasp the functions of various components within a program.