Link / File Name Syntax Standards

[dweiss]

I understand that naming page links (html files) to reflect their content is beneficial for both users and search engines. However, is there a standard or does the search engine care which characters you use to facilitate readability of the html file name?

For example, which of the following would be preferred (if any) for a page containing information on "Blue Widgets?"

1. bluewidgetslinkspage.htm
2. blue-widgets-links-page.htm
3. blue_widgets_links_page.htm

Personally, I tend to prefer #2, but does the search engine care which one is used?

Thanks,

-Danny.

[edited by: mack at 12:12 pm (utc) on Mar. 2, 2006]
[edit reason] examplefied [/edit]

[webdoctor]

However, is there a standard

These guys wrote the standards:
Hypertext Style: Cool URIs don't change [w3.org]

Personally, I think including the the two words "links" and "page" is a mistake. (of course it's a webpage... no need to say so.)

1. bluewidgetslinkspage.htm
2. blue-widgets-links-page.htm
3. blue_widgets_links_page.htm

IMHO

blue-widgets.html

would be best of all. .htm files are so MSDOS :-)

FWIW - vs _ has been done to death, but - was the winner.