Using the this prefix in class files

Use the this keyword as a prefix within your classes for methods and member variables. Although it is not necessary, it makes it easy to tell that a property or method belongs to a class when it has a prefix; without it, you cannot tell if the property or method belongs to the superclass.

You can also use a class name prefix for static variables and methods, even within a class. This helps qualify the references you make. Qualifying references makes for readable code. Depending on what coding environment you are using, your prefixes might also trigger code completion and hinting. The following code demonstrates prefixing a static property with a class name:

class Widget {
    public static var widgetCount:Number = 0;
    public function Widget() {
        Widget.widgetCount++;
    }
}

NOTE

You don't have to add these prefixes, and some developers feel it is unnecessary. Adobe recommends that you add the this keyword as a prefix, because it can improve readability and it helps you write clean code by providing context.

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