Today I Learned - Rocky Kev

TIL about joke variables names in WordPress

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TAGS: wordpress jokes

The vast majority of users are likely unaware of this joke unless they enjoy trawling through the 6,000+ lines of code in /wp-includes/formatting.php. There is a good chance that any developer who has looked up the wpautop() function has stumbled upon it.

What is a $pee, exactly? It is text. Therefore, $text makes sense as a variable name, which is one of recent code changes. Other modifications include:

$pee_parts to $text_parts
$last_pee to $last_part
$pees to $paragraphs
$tinkle to $paragraph

That complex wpautop() function and its 150+ lines of code start making a bit more sense when things are named for clarity.

As a dev who uses the placeholder $butt everywhere, I get it. Any named variable that forces a user to 'think' about its intention should be scrutinized.

Write code for your future devs.

(As for naming, there's some good examples of how to name things here and how to name things here)

REFERENCE:
https://wptavern.co
m/wordpress-ditches-pee-and-tinkle-jokes-in-favor-of-more-inclusive-language-and-clearer-code

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