Linux Rules for file names
Q. Can you specify rules for naming a file name under Linux?
A. When you save a data, you nee to select a file name, you need to follow certain rules and regulation regarding the length of the name and the types of characters you include.
Rules for naming file names
The rules for naming a file names under Linux (and UNIX like oses) are as follows:
[a] The file names can be up to 255 characters (or bytes) long
[b] You cannot use all special characters, try to use:
=> Uppercase or lowercase letters
=> Digits
=> Special characters, such as: +, -, _, .
[c] File names are case-sensitive. Thus, the following file names all are different:
vivek Vivek VIVEK VIVek
[d] Try to avoid non printable and following characters in filenames:
/, >, <, ?, ", ', blank space
How do I show hidden files?
Use ls -a or ls -la command:
$ ls -la
$ ls -a
Use -a to see invisible file names.
How do I access filenames with spaces?
To access a filename with spaces, enclose the filename in quotes:
$ cat "my bio data.txt"
$ cd "a long dir nane"
Please note that above rules almost apply to other UNIX like operating system such as HP-UX, Solaris, FreeBSD etc.
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Related Other Helpful FAQs:
- Exclude certain files when creating a tarball using tar command
- Linux/UNIX: Rules for naming file and directory names
- UNIX / Linux list current logged in users
- Linux: Openssh (ssh server) deny root user access
- How to: Linux or UNIX List just directories or directory names
Leave a Reply
We encourage your comments, and suggestions. But please stay on topic, be polite, and avoid spam. Thank you very much for stopping by our site!
Tags: file names, filenames, file_names_with_spaces, ls command, rules_for_naming_a_file, special_characters



Recent Comments
Yesterday ~ 3 Comments
Yesterday ~ 7 Comments
Yesterday ~ 4 Comments
Yesterday ~ 8 Comments
Yesterday ~ 45 Comments