A native filename is any filename using an absolute path. All other filenames, i.e. those using relative paths, are treated as portable filenames. While native filenames are passed unchanged to the operating system, portable filenames are case insensitive.

On a UNIX system, a filename that begins with a "/" is a native filename and it is case sensitive. Under Microsoft Windows operating system, a filename that begins with "<drive-letter>:\" (a DOS style path) or "\\" (a Microsoft UNC path), is a native filename.

For platform compatibility, usage of portable filenames are encouraged.

Related Article: June, 1997 Technical News