When a variable name in Stata is very long, this is shortened using ~
.
For example:
Is there a way to force the data editor to display the entire name?
Yes, by formatting it accordingly:
clear
set obs 1
generate this_is_a_long_variable_name = 0
format %35.0g this_is_a_long_variable_name
browse
Type help format
from Stata's command prompt for details.