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As new files are created, regardless of whether they are for research or other projects, a carefully crafted naming convention needs to be developed that makes it easier for anyone to find things and also to understand what each file does or contains.
For this activity, you will review file names and organization for grouping of files all related to the same project. When reviewing, reflect on the following:
- How do you currently organize your files? Consider the file hierarchy on your computer.
- How have you recently used the naming and organization system for your files? What works and what doesn’t work? What do you like/don’t like about your system?
- Who are you designing your organization system for? You? Collaborators? Think of all the people that will need to access the files. Is this system adequate for their needs?
File Conventions
Review the Best Practices for Organizing in the Open Workflows unit to help you strategize your own filing system.
Complete this Activity
In the comments below, share a strategy you could employ to name and organize your files based on the answers to the questions above.
Activity Credit: This activity was adapted from MIT Libraries Worksheet: Naming and Organizing your Files and Folders under a CC BY 4.0 license.