Coding and database standards can sometimes be a contentious topic, much like religion or politics. Some people are fanatics about following strict conventions, while others don’t care much about it. However, the choice of naming conventions in SQL Server can have a significant impact on the readability and maintainability of your code.

One common debate in naming conventions is between CamelCase and using underscores. Let’s take a closer look at both approaches.

CamelCase Naming Convention

In CamelCase, words are concatenated together, with each word starting with a capital letter. For example, “CustomerOrders”, “UserPermissions”, and “VendorAddresses”. This convention is widely used and has its advantages. It provides a clean and visually appealing look to the code.

However, some developers argue that using plurals for object names, as shown in the examples, can be confusing. This debate, though interesting, is beyond the scope of this article.

Underscore Naming Convention

In the underscore naming convention, each word is separated by an underscore. For example, “Customer_Orders”, “User_Permissions”, and “Vendor_Addresses”. This convention is also widely used and has its own merits.

Using underscores can make the code more readable, especially when dealing with long and complex object names. It helps to clearly distinguish between individual words in the name.

Applying Naming Conventions to Tables, Columns, and Indexes

Both naming conventions should be applied consistently not only to tables and views but also to columns, indexes, and constraints.

For example, when creating an index on the “EmployeePayHistory” table, you can use underscores to separate the columns in the index name. Additionally, you can prefix the index name with “ix_cl” or “ix_ncl” to indicate whether it is clustered or non-clustered.

Similarly, when creating tables and columns, using underscores can help improve readability and make it easier to parse the code.

Choosing the Right Convention

Ultimately, the choice between CamelCase and underscore naming conventions comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your project.

CamelCase may provide a cleaner and more visually appealing look, while underscores can enhance readability, especially for longer and more complex names.

It’s important to establish a consistent naming convention within your team or organization to ensure that everyone understands and follows the same standards.

Conclusion

The debate between naming conventions in SQL Server will likely continue, with strong opinions on both sides. The key is to choose a convention that works best for your project and stick to it consistently.

What are your thoughts on naming conventions in SQL Server? Do you prefer CamelCase or underscores? Share your opinions in the comments below.

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