There are only two hard things in Computer Science: cache invalidation and naming things.

-- Phil Karlton

Even though the above might have been in jest, naming variables while writing code is a head-scratching experience. Should I make it short? Should I make it descriptive? If descriptive, how descriptive? These thoughts keep running in one’s head.

A simple strategy is to keep the descriptiveness of a variable’s name in line with the reach of that variable. If the variable is short-lived i.e within a small block, stick to a short name as the cognitive load of the variable is negligible. If the variable’s reach is much larger, as in if it spans a large number of lines, make it as descriptive as possible.

Goes without saying that names should adhere to the conventions that your team has adopted.