How to name a variable: numItems or itemCount?

Question

What is the right way to name a variable

int numItems; 

vs.

int itemCount; 

or constant:

public static final int MAX_NUM_ITEMS = 64; 

vs.

public static final int MAX_ITEM_COUNT = 64; 

Answer 1

In "Code Complete," Steve McConnell notes that "Number" is ambiguous. It could be a count, or an index, or some other number.

"But, because using Number so often creates confusion, it's probably best to sidestep the whole issue by using Count to refer to a total number of sales and Index to refer to a specific sale."

Answer 2

item_count or itemCount (there's a religious war brewing there, though)