C# Class naming convention: Is it BaseClass or ClassBase or AbstractClass

Question

What is the recommended approach to naming base classes? Is it prefixing the type name with \"Base\" or \"Abstract\" or would we just suffi

Answer 1

We use BaseEntity, but I think it your own preference. I frequently see the other.

Just be consistent within your context, be that your project, namespace or if possible, your team. Different conventions are worse than a bad convention IMHO.

Answer 2

There are examples in the Framework with the Base suffix, e.g. System.Configuration.Provider.ProviderBase, System.Web.SessionState.SessionStateStoreProviderBase.

But by no means all abstract base classes in the Framework follow this convention (e.g. System.Data.Common.DbParameter, System.Data.Common.DbCommand).

Personally I would avoid using the suffix unless I wanted to emphasize the fact that it's an abstract class and felt that otherwise users of the class might expect the name to indicate a concrete implementation.

Answer 3

If you're talking about virtual base classes, Microsoft's standard is ClassnameBase (like CollectionBase.)

Answer 4

None of the above. Consider what purpose your base class provides; name it that. For example, the base class of Automobile and Bicycle could be Vehicle.

If you're creating base classes just to have a base class of one class, and with no purpose or reason other than that, you're probably doing something wrong.

Answer 5

Always think about alphabetizing when you name stuff. I really don't like looking at a SQL server and every stored procedure is named usp[something]. Along the same lines, don't overuse Get and Set as leading names for a function. Instead of GetItems or PlaceOrder, think about naming them as ItemsGet or OrderPlace.

So, in general, ClassnameBase / EntityBase would be a better choice.

Answer 6

BaseEntity looks a lot like camel case - strName, bseEntity. I'd go for EntityBase since it defines the subject first, which will help you identify it's function quicker.