Why underscore file names

However, it is still possible to run into problems related to filename length. File naming is also an important consideration when transferring files via the Internet, where it may not be evident what computer platform was used when the files were originally created.

File names can be either descriptive or non-descriptive. Descriptive file names are useful for small, well-defined projects with existing identification schemes that link the digital object to the source material. However, inconsistent application of terms or typos will contribute to indexing and sorting errors. Non-descriptive file names are usually system-generated sequential numerical strings, such as a digital ID number and are often linked to metadata stored elsewhere. Non-descriptive file names are often created for large scale digitization projects and may employ a digital ID number and numerical sequences to indicate batch or parent-child relationships.

This means that it will read a capital letter M the same way it will read a lowercase letter m. By itself, this is not a problem at all. The problem can begin to manifest, though, when Microsoft computer operators are exposed to computing on the Internet - which is by and large ruled by an entirely different operating system known as Linux. Linux is case sensitive. It becomes a big deal when performing file operations between a Linux based web server and a Microsoft based local machine.

Here is the potential problem:. A user would like to download a directory of files to their desktop. Some of these files have similar names - the only difference is the case. For example there is a file named My-File and one named my-file.

In Linux this is fine, because Linux clearly distinguishes the M from the m. When the files get transferred to a Windows computer, though, one of those files will be overwritten because Windows sees the file name "My-File" as being exactly the same as the file name "my-file".

In terms of usability, a Linux operating system organizes things in a file directory based upon a character code. The —a switch lists all files — including hidden files. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search.

Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Thanksgiving Why do file names use underscore instead of space? Ben Davis April 21, Why do file names use underscore instead of space? Should I use underscores instead of spaces? Do I need to use underscores in filenames? Why are spaces in file names bad? Is it OK to have spaces in filenames? Are spaces allowed in filenames? Should I use spaces in folder names?

Brown In response to Ian R. Mar 15, AM. Page content loaded. Question: Q: Why are Underscores used in file names? More Less. Communities Get Support. Sign in Sign in Sign in corporate. Browse Search. Ask a question.