Research Data Management 101
File Organization & File Formats
File organization: naming conventions
Naming conventions make life easier!
Naming conventions should be:
• Descriptive
• Consistent
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Consider including:
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File organization: naming conventions
Naming conventions make life easier!
Naming conventions should be:
• Descriptive
• Consistent
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Best Practice |
Example |
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Limit the file name to 32 characters (preferably less!) |
32CharactersLooksExactlyLikeThis.csv |
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When using sequential numbering, use leading zeros to allow for multi-digit versions For a sequence of 1-10: 01-10 For a sequence of 1-100: 001-010-100 |
NO ProjlD_1.csv ProjlD_12.csv YES ProjlD_01.csv ProjlD_12.csv |
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Don’t use special characters &,*%#;*()! @$ A ~ '{}[]?<> - |
NO name&date@location.doc |
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Use only one period and use it before the file extension |
NO name.date.doc |
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Avoid using generic data file names that may conflict when moved from one location to another |
NO MyData.csv YES ProjlD_date.csv |
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For our case study:
