Episode 3: No mention of letter case for file names and directories

[jfessic]

Hello,
In "Working with Files and Directories" under "Good names for files and directories" I think it would be good advice to suggest that file names contain only lower case letters. If nothing else, it would be worthwhile to emphasize the importance of being consistent with letter case when choosing file names.
My understanding is that Unix is always case sensitive, while Windows is not, and macs depend on how the OS was configured when installed. It can be very puzzling for someone who is not aware of this behavior and doesn't realize the different effects it can have on their files. It is also good advice to develop a habit for how you will name files and stick with it.

[shwina]

I am +1 for this addition. Just a comment: some "built-in" directories like Desktop and Documents do not follow these conventions. Perhaps any explanation should also account for this.

[loz-hurst]

My understanding is that Unix is always case sensitive

This depends on the filesystem being used. By default Mac OSX is NOT case sensitive, despite being an actual Unix (bearing in mind Linux is not a Unix but a clone).

My opinion is that it should be phrased along the lines of "Most filenames are lowercase by convention, although some desktop environments may create a default set of directories with capitols at the start, such as Desktop and Documents".

[Richard-Regan]

Hi,
Sorry for my ignorance, but I am a newbie. Has this issue been closed, and if not how can I help?

[bkmgit]

Thanks for your interest. May consider making a pull request to update: https://github.com/swcarpentry/shell-novice/blob/main/episodes/03-create.md#whats-in-a-name

[Richard-Regan]

OK, I will. Is it good practise for me to fork the repo first, and then clone my copy before I start?

[bkmgit]

For text changes that are not large, forking the repository, making a branch in your fork, adding your changes to the branch and making a pull request are fine. You can clone to your fork to your local machine or use the web interface.

[Richard-Regan]

Thanks

[Richard-Regan]

Hi, Just created a pull request. If any issues please contact me.