Why shouldn't I use spaces in file names when I can use a code equivalent? [closed]

Question

I've read all over the place NOT to use spaces in file names intended for use on the Web, e.g. URLs.

I don't understand what's wrong with using "%20" to replace them when referring to the name in my code. It seems more appropriate to use this replacement because I'm then preserving semantic meaning of my file name.

?

Answer 1

It's user friendly to have readable URLs.

For example, this page could have been:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1093611/why%20shouldnt%20i%20use%20spaces%20in%20file%20names%20when%20i%20can%20use%20a%20code%20equivalent

Not nearly as readable at first glance.

Answer 2

first off, it is not that you can't it is that you shouldn't. It is not best practice to have spaces in your file names, it just complicates things, period.

second, it is harder for someone to manually type in the address if they wish.

i.e. "hey go to my site and get my resume at" www.... /my%20resume

just my $0.02

Answer 3

It's ugly. Aesthetics do matter for anything a user sees.