#FOLDER STRUCTURE DIAGRAM TOOL HOW TO#
#FOLDER STRUCTURE DIAGRAM TOOL CODE#

File structure, file hierarchy, and file schemasВ are used interchangeably.FoldersВ and directories are used interchangeably.

Therefore, establishing consistency at the beginning вЂ“ which starts with a standard file structure and naming convention вЂ“ will pay dividends for your future self. Even worse, it will limit the ability to reproduce your code.

#FOLDER STRUCTURE DIAGRAM TOOL CODE#

Going back to the code and forgetting where your files are placed, or worse, which files to use (the deadly trial-and-error approach of using file1.py, file-v1.py, file-mod1.py, or file-try-this-one-v1.py suffixes) makes for a gruesome experience. Why do it: for the future youД«eing confused is never fun, especially when youВ are the cause of confusion. So whether youвЂ™re working on small or big projects, setting a standard structure will add consistency among all of your work and decrease the amount of time it takes to boilerplateВ your code. Even if you are working on a quick homework assignment, think about the hundreds of similar homework assignments for which you have to mock up a folder and then finagle some files (we advise against putting everything on your desktop).

#FOLDER STRUCTURE DIAGRAM TOOL HOW TO#

The time invested in learning how to organize your code now will help you streamline future projects and add consistency between projects. If youвЂ™ve ever organized your desk to clean up both physical and mental space, then your coding projects deserve the same consideration.

being able to quickly reproduce your code, which adds confidence to both the collaborator and you.

quickly learning how your analysis was performed.

being able to collaborate more easily with you.

the time saved in learning your project structure.

For that to happen, you need to organize your code such that newcomers can quickly access key parts of your project without looking through documentation or aimlessly clicking through files. Why do it: for othersД®ven if you are working on a class assignment, it is best to work under the mindset that your work will be shared and reproduced by others. As with a map legend, you should establish a set of expectations about where to find parts of the project, and in which order these parts fit (i.e., run) together. Where you place your files and how you organize your file structure can be seen as an overall map to your coding projects. Knowing where files are, when to use certain code for certain operations, and how to find associated results, data, and figures can not only streamline productivity, but also allow for consistency (even across multiple projects) and shareability. Like navigating around the house, itвЂ™s nice to know where everything is and that items are placed in a logical order (hopefully your kitchenware isnвЂ™t found in your bathroom).

Case studies: Choosing a file structure that matches the scale and aims of your projectД¬onsistency matters.

Getting started: Be strategic, be flexible.File structures are not fixed entities, but rather build a framework that communicates the function and purpose of elements within a project by separating concerns into a hierarchy of folders and using consistent, chronological, and descriptive names.Д«egin with something simple and clear to avoid bogging down at the start, and allow the structure to evolve as needed. A successful file structure organizes your data and code with the goal of repeatability, making it easier for you and your collaborators to revisit, revise and develop your project.

Folder structure diagram tool