Using Upper-Case Letters in File Names

Does Using Upper-Case Letters in File Names Cause Problems?

[webgaya]

I think using upper-case letters in files names makes them more attractive.
For an example,

[WebSiteName.com...]

[WebSiteName.com...]

(At the time I am posting this, www.WebSiteName.com
was unavailable and I used it as an example)

I think first one is more attractive when using in newsletters,
articles etc.

I want to know that, will using upper-case letters in file
names cause problems in linking, search engine indexing etc?

And also I want to know the better extension. .htm or .html?
Because I think using .html will make a more familiar impression
to visitors than using .htm extension.

All suggestions are appreciated.

[Webwork]

There arguments/reasons that I've read tend to favor using lower case file names. I don't recall the exact reasons.

Whatever you choose it's likely wise to keep to a consistent pattern.

[txbakers]

some times the file names have to be case sensitive. I found this with JSP pages. I think it's true with PHP, but I'm not 100% certain. It was very annoying because most URLs work case insensitive.

As for htm vs. html it doesn't matter one bit.

[Frequent]

I don't think PHP cares. I have a couple of sites running on PHP with caps in file names and have had no problems.

Freq---

[victor]

case sensitivity is an issue relating to the operasting system, not the webserver or scripting language.

UNIX/Gnu/Linux are case sensitive

Windows is not

I can never remmeber about MAC/OS

If you've been lax with the upper and lower casing under windows, you'll get away with it. But switch one day to a better hosting deal that runs on GNU/Linux, and your site will appear ruined.

For maximum flexibility do as webwork says -- be totally consistent at all times.....For most of us the easiest way to do that is to do everything as lowercase.

[Frequent]

victor,

None of my sites run on Windows servers and many use caps in the file names.

I have never noticed any obvious performance issues.

What should I be looking for? Perhaps I have problems and don't even realize it.

Freq---

[Leosghost]

I don't recall the exact reasons

'bout the only reasons are those given by Victor ...

It's too easy to spend hours wondering where the file went on a 'nix server that you used caps on and then linked in lowercase ..

Search engines don't care ..

Visually ....mixed is better /more appealing ...maybe better result ..and is closer to how print media titles are put together ..so maybe surfers are more attracted to them ..

If all the other page titles that show up in the serps on your serp page are all uppercase ( heaven forbid that they should be so crass ) ..then you will stand out more ..likewise if they all lowercase ..that in itself can be worth extra "cred" somewhat like it is better to hold #2 and #3 slot and therefore be indented than to have #1 ...appeal to the lizard brain that works our eyes ..not the the human part that reads text ..

[megsie_k]

it's definately an up in the air topic, but i think lowercase is easier and less likely to cause problems, as some programs have issues.