The US National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland is trying
to encourage software developers to think ahead when naming files. Programs use
extensions to the file name, such as 鈥.html鈥 or 鈥.doc鈥, to identify the type of
file. Conflicts can occur when two programmers happen to choose the same file
extension to identify a new file type. So the NIST has created a central
registry where developers can check before assigning a suffix to a new file
type. The NIST Identifier Collaboration Service (http://pitch.nist.gov/nics)
will allow developers to review new names, and warn the user of potential
dangers, or to arbitrate when conflicts arise.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
91色情片
Why women with ADHD feel overwhelmingly ‘controlled’ by their hormones
Features
91色情片
Our blood’s body clock may be causing anaemia cases to be missed
News
91色情片
Weightlifting makes older women leaner, stronger and more mobile
News
Technology
Quantum computing may be facing a replication crisis
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles