How To Name Files; More About Files; File Names - Tandy 1200 HD User Manual

2.5 HOW TO NAME
FILES
As you know, files are used to organize information so that your task
will be easy when you need to refer back to that information. Com-
puter files serve a similar function.
MORE ABOUT FILES
There are two general categories of computer files
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program files
and data files.
Program files are lists of instructions for your computer; they are
what a programmer creates when making an applications program.
In most circumstances, there is no need for you to know the contents
of these files. You simply command DOS to execute the program
instructions. The GW-BASIC manual provides information on how
you can create your own program files.
Data files are rather different in nature. You are very interested in
the contents of these files. Data files do not contain instructions for
the computer. Rather, they contain information that is valuable and
useful to you. You, not the programmer, create these files.
When you use manila folders to keep your paper files, you put labels
on the folder tabs. Without such labels, you would be hopelessly lost
every time you tried to find some specific information stored in your
files. The same is true with computer files
-
they have to be labeled.
FILE NAMES
File names are made up of a base name and an extension (sometimes
optional).
NOTE
IN FILE NAMES, DOS DOES NOT DISTINGUISH
BETWEEN UPPER AND LOWER CASE
LETTERS. YOU CANNOT CREATE DIFFERENT
FILE NAMES BY SIMPLY USING DIFFERENT
LETTER CASES.
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