Naming and organizing files
Large research projects can generate hundreds of data files. Short descriptive file names and a simple file hierarchy make these files easier to navigate and locate.
Set up conventions for your project, document them for all team members, and b
e consistent.
Few recommendations to help you organizing your files :
Use a short unique identifier (e.g. Project Name or Grant #)
鈭�: CHHM
听X : Centre for Hip Health and Mobility
Why?听Short filenames prevent the need for side scrolling and column adjustment.
听
Include a summary of content (e.g. Questionnaire or GrantProposal) as part of the file name
鈭�: FileNm_Guidelines_20140409_v01.docx
X听: FileNm_20140409.docx
Why?听Files will be easier to find.
听
Use _ as delimiters. Avoid these special characters: & , * % # * ( ) ! @$ ^ ~ 鈥� { } [ ] ? < > 鈥�
鈭�: FileNm_Guidelines_20140409_v01.docx
X听: FileNm Guidelines 2014 04 09 v01.docx
Why?听Different computer systems handle听special characters differently 鈥� filing order, etc.
听
Keep track of document versions either sequentially (e.g. v01, v02,) or with a unique date and time ( e.g. 20140403_1800)
鈭�: FileNm_Guidelines_20140409_v01.docx
X听: FileNm_Guidelines_20140409_Review.docx AND FileNm_Guidelines_20140409_Investigation.docx
Why?听Two years from now, you won鈥檛 remember what you meant.
Make folder hierarchies as simple as possible
鈭�: F:/ Env/LIBR/DataMgmt_FileFormats_20140409_v01.docx
X听: F:/Environment/Library/Woodward/Data/Education/Materials/Draft/2014/04/-DataMgmt_FileFormats_20140409_v01.docx
Why?听Complex folder hierarchies are harder to navigate and offer more opportunities for filing errors. System back-ups may take longer.
听
听Source: 听听