Camelcase is a term used in computer programming that refers to the style of writing where the first letter of each word is capitalized without any spaces. This term is pronounced /ˈkæməlkeɪs/ with the stress on the second syllable. It is written with two words, "camel" and "case", with the first word being pronounced /ˈkæməl/ and the second word being pronounced /keɪs/. The term is derived from the shape of the capital letters, which resemble the humps on a camel's back. Camelcase is widely used in programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, and Python.
CamelCase refers to a writing convention or naming style used in computer programming, typically in computer programming languages and frameworks, where compound words or phrases are written without spaces between them and each word starts with a capital letter. The term "CamelCase" is derived from the visual resemblance of the capital letters to the humps of a camel.
When writing in CamelCase, the first letter of the compound word is often lowercase, with each subsequent word starting with an uppercase letter. This convention is commonly used in variable names, function names, and class names to improve readability and distinguish between words within an identifier.
CamelCase can be further differentiated into several specific types, such as UpperCamelCase (also known as PascalCase), where the first letter of every word is capitalized, and lowerCamelCase (also known as camelCase), where the first letter of the compound word is lowercase, but each subsequent word starts with an uppercase letter.
The use of CamelCase makes it easier to read and interpret compound words or phrases compared to using underscores or hyphens, which can sometimes be visually overwhelming. It is widely adopted in programming languages like Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript, as well as in frameworks and libraries. Additionally, CamelCase can also be utilized outside of programming circles, such as in branding or product names.
The term "camelcase" is derived from the visual resemblance it shares with the humps of a camel. The uppercase letters within a text block, typically used in programming and naming conventions, resemble the humps of a camel. The name "camelcase" came about as a play on word combining "camel" with "uppercase" to describe this particular capitalization style.