[GuB-42]

I prefer code names over acronyms. Like code names, acronyms are meaningless to the uninitiated, but for me code names are more memorable. Here, I don't know what "EPD" or "SAN" mean and these are terms I have to get familiar with when reading the code base, just like "kep". I get that EPD and SAN are probably familiar terms to chess people, but the idea there is never a code base where you don't have to get familar with some vocabulary.

Unlike acronyms, good code words have some emotions attached to them, maybe some backstory or theme. For example, Android versions are alphabetically ordered desserts, there is some consistency to it. When first told, you can picture it in your head, even taste it, this can help with memorization as it is not just a random 3-letter string. Even with the nonsensical "kep", it has a nice sound to it, and in fact, I have memorized it, it is a combination of a hmm... chess stuff and... san? (looking up) oh yes, EPD and SAN.

[radlad]

I have found Android codenames to be a nightmare. Docs will sometimes refer to a codename, a version, or an SDK level. Why do we need three pointers to the same thing?

[sph]

Ubuntu is the same, unless you happen to know the previous release and know they are in alphabetical order. Debian is even worse: not in order, no one ever uses the version number.

[technol0gic]

Those are abbreviations, not acronyms.

[snowe2010]

They are acronyms. Why do you think differently? And acronyms are abbreviations. If you want to argue more you could state they’re initialisms, but SAN is standard algebraic notation so it’s definitely an acronym, while EPD could be argued not, but instead to be an initialism. In any case Wikipedia says it’s not a settled matter so why even argue about it? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acronym

[onionisafruit]

I’m not OP, but I’ll answer the question for me. I think differently because I was taught differently in English class about 40 years ago. The wikipedia page makes a weak argument.

What do you think distinguishes an acronym from other abbreviations?

[xboxnolifes]

Acronyms and initialisms are formed by each of the first letters of a phrase. Acronyms are distinguished from initialisms by being pronounced as a word rather than saying each letter individually. Abbreviations are shortened words or phrases: apartment=apt., captain=cpt., corporation=corp., minute=min., etc.