[dagw]

> E = m * c^2

The problem then occurs when you work in a multidisciplinary group and 'everybody' wants to use 'p' or 'c' or whatever mean the the super obvious thing it means in their field and you have to remember what each letter means in 6 different fields and the 'p' in function f means something completely different from the 'p' in function g.

[enriquto]

> the 'p' in function f means something completely different from the 'p' in function g.

And that's OK. The 'x' in mathematics means completely different things depending on the equation. That's what comments are for, to explain the meaning of the local variables on each function.

    // E: energy of the thing
    // m: mass of the thing
    // c: constant representing the speed of light in vacuum
    E = m * c^2

I cannot read multiple-letter variables without unconsciously interpreting them as the product of several single-letter variables. It requires a lot of conscious effort that obscures my understanding of the code.

[_carl_jung]

I suppose you have the same problem when reading this comment too.

[enriquto]

no, I do not mistake regular text with mathematical formulas. My problem is that I read code as if it was mathematical formulas.