html filename length and keywords

is there a maximum length?

[oneshed]

I am currently redesigning a website I built some time ago. Back then I went for short filenames thinking to 'play safe'. This meant I had to abbreviate many keywords.

Is there any need these days to have short filenames for htm files? (Was there ever?)

It seems like long would be good if I could get my keys in there.

Also, what is a good way to separate the keywords in the filename? Is it better to use a separator like a hyphen - or _? Or is it better to run the words together?

I'd appreciate any advice.

[BlobFisk]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, oneshed!

There is a physical limit to filename lengths which varies according to OS. In general is is 256 characters.

As for seperators, both "-" and "_" are fine I believe.

[oneshed]

It's good to be here!

This opens up vast new horizons.

Many thanks Blobfisk!

[inveni0]

Isn't the maximum number of characters for a URL 255? I know that MAC has a maximum filename limit of like 32 characters or something (for online).

[RonPK]

Internet Explorer has a maximum URL length [support.microsoft.com] of 2083 characters, with a maximum path length of 2048 characters. IIRC Firefox allows up to 8190 chars - can't find the documentation, though...

[BlobFisk]

As RonPK said that URL length varies and I IIRC it's a size limitation rather than number of characters. IE has a 2K limit and other browsers vary.

Worth remembering when you are adding your form data - although it is a lot of characters!