Requirements for Variables

Requirements for variables include the items listed.

• Minimum use of global variables.
• Any modules that use global variables must be identified.
• The input and output variables associated with each function should be identified in comment code at the start of each function.
• All variables should be explicitly declared and given an initial value.
• Hierarchial data structures should be used to keep the data and program structured.
• Variable names should be meaningful.
• Variable names should be in lower case.
• Use simple incrementer variables for loops counters such as the Fortran integer variable names which are i, j, k, l, m, and n.
• In graphics or coordinates, use variables x, y, and z for coordinates.