help wfnames

Principles for naming variables

1.
Use simple, unambiguous names that are 10 characters or
less to avoid truncation.

2.
Anticipate looking for variables using lookfor.

3.
Use names that convey content.

4.
Use clear and consistent abbreviations.

5.
Be careful with capitalization.

6.
Try names before you decide.

Principles for value labels

1.
Keep labels 10 of fewer characters in length.

2.
Include the value in the front of the name (e.g, 1_male).

3.
Put the key information in the front of the label.

4.
If it is used for only one variable, give the label the
name of the variable.

5.
If the label is used by multiple variables, begin the name with L.

Principles for variable labels and notes

1.
Limit labels to 30 characters or less.

3.
Put the key information in the front of the label.

2.
Label all variables.

4.
For new variables, use note to indicate the do-file,
date and person that created the variable.

5.
If the label is used by multiple variables, begin the name with L.

Principles for naming do-files

1.
Name do-files so that they can be re-run in alphabetical order to
reproduce all results.

2.
Names should only contain a-z, A-Z, 0-9, the underscore _,
and the dash -. If you don't mind adding "" around names, you can
use spaces.

3.
Use a short mnemonic to refer to a project.

4.
Use .doi as the suffix for include files.

Also see

wf