VC 237 :: Week 02 1 of 4 06 October 2008
— Demonstration Outline —
week::two
File Naming and Structure
Overview
o File naming conventions for Web publishing are much more restrictive
than in other types of media.
o It’s critical that HTML files be able to locate other HTML files in a
predictable and clear manner.
o File linking relies on the assumption that HTML, graphic and other files
remain in the same location they were in when the link was created.
o While incorrectly named or located files may work on your local
computer, you will run into problems when they are moved to a
different machine or uploaded to a Web server.
File Naming Rules and Conventions
o Do not use spaces; use an underscore ( _ ) instead
Good: about_chemeketa_community_college.html
Bad: about Chemeketa community college.html
o Do not use special characters
Characters to avoid: "!~:&()[]{},.<>\/
The / character is reserved for separating folder names in links
Good: winter_spring.html
Bad: winter&spring!.html
Bad: winter/spring.html
o Always use the correct suffix
Good: about_us.html
Good: management_team.jpg
Bad: home_page
o Always use lowercase letters
Good: aboutourservices.html
Bad AboutOurServices.html
o Name the first page of your site
index.html
This name has a special meaning when posted to a Web server.
It tells a Web server to display that page if no page is specified.
Also works for individual directories, not just for the home page.
Good: index.html
Bad: home_page.html
o Give your files meaningful names
Giving your files meaningful names will ease creating links between files.
Meaningful names also help users navigate your site.
Don't simply call your pages page1.html, page2.html, etc…
Good: our_services.html
Bad: page1.html
o When you have a numbered list of files, zero-pad the file names
By adding a zero before the 1st though 9th files, you ensure that the list will
always alphabetize correctly.
Good: 01.gif 02.gif 03.gif
Bad: 1.gif 2.gif 3.gif
