File naming and backups for class projects

Lost project files are one of the most common reasons for late submissions. A few naming and backup habits prevent most disasters in lab assignments and portfolio work.

Folder layout

Use one root folder per course, then assignments, labs, and assets subfolders. Inside each assignment, keep v01, v02 copies before you make risky edits.

File names

• Include the assignment code and date: CA101-lab3-2026-05-01.docx.
• Avoid spaces in filenames used in programming projects—use hyphens instead.
• Never rely on “Final-final-really-final” without version numbers.

Backups

Copy milestone folders to a USB drive or trusted cloud folder at least twice a week during heavy project weeks. Verify you can open the backup on another device once.

If it exists in only one place, it does not exist.