This brief communication addresses the challenge of managing file names embedded within data processed by programs, particularly when data spans multiple files. The core problem arises when moving or sharing such data, as absolute file names may become invalid in different environments. The proposed solution is to make a syntactic distinction between absolute and relative file names, which improves the data’s portability. The key concept is that relative file names, unlike absolute file names, are interpreted with respect to a current working directory. This allows programs to locate files correctly even when the data is moved to a new system. The distinction is particularly useful in systems employing tree-structured directories, where relative paths provide a flexible and adaptable way to reference files. By implementing a clear separation between absolute and relative file names, data management becomes more seamless and efficient. This approach enhances the portability and shareability of data, facilitating collaboration and data exchange across diverse computing environments. This paper suggests a small upgrade for UNIX that can have a big impact on productivity.
As a publication of Communications of the ACM, this brief article addresses a practical issue related to data management in computer systems. The discussion of file name interpretation aligns with the journal's interest in enhancing the usability and efficiency of computing technologies.