Best Practices for Organizing Data Files and Directories
Learn how to effectively organize your files and directories for improved search, sharing, and security. Organize based on functions or dates, use self-explanatory names, and avoid duplication. Follow file naming guidelines for clarity and consistency.
Best Practices for Organizing Data Files and Directories
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Presentation Transcript
Data Organization File and Directory Names
Organizing Your Files and Directories Improves Searching & finding Sharing Security Clarity Preservation
Organizing Files & Directories Folders named for major functions/activities Structure by date or event (especially subfolders) Names should be self-explanatory Avoid duplication Make it simple & consistent
File Names • Use descriptive names • Not too long; CamelCase • Try to include time • Date using YYYYMMDD • Use version numbers • Don’t use spaces • May use “-” or “_” • Don’t change default extensions
File Naming and Directory Organizing Directory: source + date Ex. September 2012 = sep12 Source: c40 = Las Campanas 40-inch 1 Sub-Directory: one directory for each night; n# (# for the number of the night). Additional directories for “special” data, and log files that apply to entire run. 2 Files: for each nightly directory, number sequentially starting w/1001 (for night 1, first data frame), then for night two start with 2001, etc. The original raw data files are kept in a separate, read-only directory. 3 Astronomy Observatory Runs 1 3 2
