File, Feature, iLogic, etc. Naming

[Anonymous]

I'm a student taking classes on Inventor. As with SolidWorks, I've noticed that most custom names for things either don't have spaces or use underscores (i.e. HoleRule or Inside_Fillet). So far, I've just used spaces and haven't run into any problems... yet. Is there a reason most use undersocres or just don't use spaces? If so, is it (still) necessary to do so, or does it make certain things easier, or is it just a professional habit?

[Curtis_Waguespack · Accepted solution]

Hi MrClay,

I think underscores in file names is sometimes just habit. But when programming sometimes an extra / accidental space in a file names can cause issues, so I think underscores help, because it's easier to spot an extra underscore than an extra space

Inventor does not accept spaces in parameter names, so we use underscores there out of necessity.

When selecting a file name, feature name, parameter name, or variable name etc.  to copy/paste in the iLogic editor you can simple double click it, and it will select the entire word.. unless there is a space, in which case you have to select each word, so I prefer underscores for that reason, as I copy and paste a lot in order to prevent typos from tripping me up.

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com