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Web Site Maintainers • Contribute FAQ

What is in a name?

Naming Web files and directories (or folders)

Rule 1 -- Do not include any space in a name.

A space usually indicates the end of a URL. Although programmes like Dreamweaver and Windows Explore allow spaces in file and directory names, these names can be confusing to other systems (e.g., UNIX) and programmes (e.g., browser programmes).

This rule applies to all files placed on the Web, including .html, .gif, .jpg, .ppt files, etc.

Rule 2 -- Do not use unusual characters in a name.

Special characters may be interpreted differently in different systems or programmes. It is safe to use hyphen or underscore.

Rule 3 -- Use short but meaningful names.

This will result in short but meaningful URLs.

Rule 4 -- Use .html for HTML files.

Use ".html" instead of ".htm" for a consistent website. The Library website resides on "library", a UNIX computer, and ".html" is used for HTML files on UNIX servers.

more rules and examples

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October 17, 2005