In a function named bitCount that returns an unsigned integer, what is the name of the input variable?

• A. start
• B. value
• C. count
• D. temp

Answer: (B)

Naming the input variable to reflect what the function operates on is the key idea. A bit-counting function determines how many 1 bits are in a given number, so the parameter should describe that number. The idea of a starting position doesn’t fit bit counting of a value, so a name like start can mislead. Naming the input count would imply it’s the result the function returns, not the thing being measured. A generic temp doesn’t convey meaning about what’s being processed. value, on the other hand, clearly communicates that this is the number whose bits are being counted, making the code easier to read and understand.