help wfnames: Guidelines for naming and labeling things

Naming variables

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

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.

Value labels

1. Keep labels 8 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 label is used by one variable, give the label the
name of the variable; else, start the label name with L.

5. Use only numbers, letters, _, -, or spaces.

Variable labels and notes

1. Label all variables.

2. Limit labels to 30 characters or less.

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

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

Do-files

1. Run order: name do-files so that running them in
alphabetical order reproduces all results.

2. Only use letters, numbers, _ and - in names.
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

Workflow; WF-directory names