Naming convention of @FunctionalInterface

By convention, types should be named by nouns, that's ok. However, @FunctionalInterface is a special type - object type that acts like function/method. In case of function I feel like it's more natural to choose a verb e.g. decorate.apply(o) instead of noun decorator.apply(o). And there is also nouns expressing an activities e.g. decoration.apply(o).

@FunctionalInterface

decorate.apply(o)

decorator.apply(o)

decoration.apply(o)

If I look at java.util.function package all the functions are named by nouns: Function, Operator, Consumer, Supplier, ... Should I prefer nouns, verbs or nouns expressing verbs?

Function

Operator

Consumer

Supplier

1 Answer
1

@FunctionalInterface can mark only types (classes, interfaces, annotations, enums).

@FunctionalInterface

To name a type you should use a noun, while for a method you need a verb.

Class names should be nouns, in mixed case with the first letter of each internal word capitalized. Try to keep your class names simple and descriptive. Use whole words-avoid acronyms and abbreviations (unless the abbreviation is much more widely used than the long form, such as URL or HTML).

class Raster;
class ImageSprite;


Methods should be verbs, in mixed case with the first letter lowercase, with the first letter of each internal word capitalized.

run();
runFast();
getBackground();


^{Naming Conventions, Oracle}

Here's an example of how I would define a functional interface.

@FunctionalInterface
interface Decorator {

void decorate();

}


In code, it looks readable.

Decorator decorator = () -> {};
decorator.decorate();


My thoughts on "decorator vs decoration":

"Decoration" is more about describing the process/result, while "Decorator" is a mechanism/tool/means to start that process/to obtain that result.

"Decoration"

"Decorator"

If I saw the Decoration class in code, I would think about a collection of decoration stuff (like ornaments, paints, wallpapers) rather than a person who actually decorate.

Decoration

If I saw Decorator or Painter, I would be expecting methods like decorate() or paint() because that's what they can/should do.

Decorator

Painter

decorate()

paint()

Compare suppliance/supplier -> get() and consumption/consumer -> accept(t).

suppliance/supplier -> get()

consumption/consumer -> accept(t)

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