Shell scripts benefit from consistent variable naming conventions that immediately communicate the scope and purpose of variables.
Environment variables are typically shared across processes and should stand out in code. The ALL_CAPS convention makes exported variables easily
recognizable and follows long-established Unix traditions. This helps developers quickly identify which variables affect the broader system
environment.
Local variables, on the other hand, are used within specific functions or script sections. Using lower_case naming distinguishes them from
environment variables and makes the code’s intent clearer. This separation prevents confusion about variable scope and reduces the risk of
accidentally overriding important environment variables.
Inconsistent naming conventions make scripts harder to read and maintain. When variables don’t follow expected patterns, developers must spend
extra time understanding the code’s structure and may make incorrect assumptions about variable behavior.
What is the potential impact?
Inconsistent variable naming reduces code readability and can lead to maintenance issues. Developers may accidentally override environment
variables or misunderstand variable scope, potentially causing unexpected behavior in scripts or system configurations.
