Question

When naming a boolean, or a function returning a boolean it’s usual to prefix with ‘is’ e.g.

• isPointerNull
• isShapeSquare

What about when refering to multiple items, should it be:

• arePointersNull or isPointersNull
• areShapesNull or isShapesNull

I can see arguments for both; is offers consistency and perhaps slightly better readability, are makes the code read in a more natural way.

Any opinions?

Answer 1

Firstly, isPointersNull is just ugly. Don’t do that.

I typically go with any or all, as are can be ambiguous. Does it mean “there are null pointers” or “the pointers are all null”? anyPointersNull and allPointersNull clear that up, IMO.