---
title: Use meaningful variable and method names
impact: MEDIUM
impactDescription: Improve code self-documentation and readability.
tags: ruby, naming, readability, quality
---

## Use meaningful variable and method names

Improve code self-documentation and readability. Use descriptive names that clearly convey purpose. Avoid single-letter variables except for common iterators (i, j, k).

**Incorrect:**

```ruby
def calc(a, b)
  r = a * b
  return r
end
```

**Correct:**

```ruby
def calculate_area(width, height)
  area = width * height
  return area
end
```

**Tools:** RuboCop (`Naming/VariableName`)