proper way to name a variable already used?

Question

in python (3.3.3), what is the proper way to name a variable that is already being used?

for example, I want to create the variable input. obviously this will not work as there is a python keyword called input.

assuming I needed a name similar to input, what is the proper way to name it without deviating much from the word input, that is, not using a name like user_input or answer?

@VivekPradhan : Because prefixing with an underscore is conventionally used as a weak "internal use" indicator. See PEP 8. So using an underscore as a suffix is better for this use case, although as JimStewart said, a more descriptive variable name would be better. — PM 2Ring
– PM 2Ring, Commented Oct 14, 2014 at 5:55
@PM2Ring, I get your point, thanks for the source. It was helpful :) — Vivek Pradhan
– Vivek Pradhan, Commented Oct 14, 2014 at 6:05

JBernardo · Accepted Answer · 2014-10-14 03:58:43Z

2

You can use any name even if it is used by a function. What you can't is use keywords like def, class, if, else...

But of course it is not a good practice to replace those names used by functions to avoid confusion.

A known practice is to add a _ to the end: input_, class_...

answered Oct 14, 2014 at 3:58

JBernardo

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