Introduction

Introduction#

Welcome!#

This mini module is an opportunity for self-paced, independent learning in core skills that are essential to well-organised research. During class, your instructors will expand upon the module topics and will show you how to apply the skills to much more complex problems in your field of study.

Learning Objectives & Purpose:#

The learning in this mini-module will equip you to do the following:

  • Recognise the importance of file and folder organisation and relate it to your studies.

  • Use appropriate naming conventions to manage project files systemically.

  • Structure folders effectively to make elements of a research project findable for collaborators and for your future self.

  • Understand the concept of a directory tree.

  • Evaluate whether to store a file locally vs. remotely based on factors such as accessibility, security, and collaboration needs.

Mini-module Format#

This mini-course is online and self-paced. It’s “mini” because it will take you approximately an hour to an hour and a half to go through the materials. The practice exercises and quizzes in each section are designed to help you check your understanding of key vocabulary and concepts. The mini-module is open access, which means you can bookmark the URL in your browser and refer to the information as much as you like in the future.

Appreciations#

This guide was developed by Paige Folsom from the Data Literacy Project, TU Delft Library Education Support in collaboration with Carla Strubbia, Research Data & Software. Special thanks to Lora Armstrong, data steward in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences for sharing her expertise and resources on file naming and folder organisation, and to Paula Martinez-Lavanchy for valuable input on the learning design as well as the content. Thank you to Geet George for his feedback and for piloting the mini-module with students in his 2nd year Python programming course, to the TeachBooks team for supporting the creation of the original book, and to TU Delft Library Education Support colleagues for their feedback.

How to Cite this Resource#

Folsom, P., Strubbia, C. (2024) File Naming and Folder Organisation. <https://tu-delft-library.github.io/file_naming_and_folder_organisation>. Source files at <https://github.com/tu-delft-library/file_naming_and_folder_organisation>. CC BY 4.0.

Pre-quiz#

Before you begin the mini-module, please take this short pre-quiz (5 questions). The purpose is to evaluate your background knowledge and see which concepts will be new vs. review for you.