{smcl}
{* 18May2009}{...}
{cmd:help wfnames}: Guidelines for naming and labeling things
{hline}

{p2colset 4 7 7 2}{...}
{title:Naming variables}

{p2col:{hi:1.}}Use simple, unambiguous names that are 10 characters or
less.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:2.}}Anticipate looking for variables using {helpb lookfor}.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:3.}}Use names that convey content.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:4.}}Use clear and consistent abbreviations.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:5.}}Be careful with capitalization.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:6.}}Try names before you decide.{p_end}

{title:Value labels}

{p2col:{hi:1.}}Keep labels 8 of fewer characters in length.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:2.}}Include the value in the front of the name (e.g, 1_male).{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:3.}}Put the key information in the front of the label.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:4.}}If label is used by one variable, give the label the
name of the variable; else, start the label name with L.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:5.}}Use only numbers, letters, _, -, or spaces.

{title:Variable labels and notes}

{p2col:{hi:1.}}Label all variables.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:2.}}Limit labels to 30 characters or less.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:3.}}Put the key information in the front of the label.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:4.}}For new variables, use {helpb note} to indicate the do-file,
date and person that created the variable.{p_end}

{title:Do-files}

{p2col:{hi:1.}}Run order: name do-files so that running them in
alphabetical order reproduces all results.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:2.}}Only use letters, numbers, _ and - in names.
If you don't mind adding "" around names, you can use spaces.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:3.}}Use a short mnemonic to refer to a project.{p_end}
{p2col:{hi:4.}}Use .doi as the suffix for {helpb include} files.{p_end}

{title:Also see}

    {helpb wf:Workflow}; {helpb wfdir:WF-directory names}
INCLUDE help wf_footer