---
title: Avoid non-inclusive terms in class names
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
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  Docs > Datadog Security > Code Security > Static Code Analysis (SAST) > SAST
  Rules > Avoid non-inclusive terms in class names
---

# Avoid non-inclusive terms in class names

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## Metadata{% #metadata %}

**ID:** `java-inclusive/class-definition`

**Language:** Java

**Severity:** Notice

**Category:** Best Practices

## Description{% #description %}

The `class-definition` rule enforces the use of inclusive language within class names. Terms such as `blacklist`, `whitelist`, `master`, and `slave` are considered non-inclusive and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Using these terms in your codebase can create an unwelcoming environment and may not align with modern software development best practices for diversity and inclusion. This rule specifically identifies and flags class names that contain these discouraged terms.

## How to remediate{% #how-to-remediate %}

To resolve violations, replace non-inclusive terms in class names with more appropriate and universally accepted alternatives. For instance, `blacklist` should be replaced with `denylist`, `whitelist` with `allowlist`, `master` with `primary`, and `slave` with `secondary`. Adopting these terms not only improves code readability and maintainability but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusive language principles in software development. Ensure that these renamings are consistently applied throughout your codebase.

## Non-Compliant Code Examples{% #non-compliant-code-examples %}

```java
class Blacklist {
    void blacklist() {

    }

    int BlackList(int WhiteList) {

    }
}
```

## Compliant Code Examples{% #compliant-code-examples %}

```java
class AllowList {
    void allowlist() {

    }

    int AllowList(int AllowList) {

    }
}
```
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