shortnames.txt

====== Shortnames ======

This page is to record our policy for CSS module shortnames going forward and a plan for converting all existing shortnames to match this scheme. A shortname is used as the filename on /TR and dev.w3.org and also as the [spec-code] in www-style discussions. The existing scheme was set up in the 20th century, before the concept of independently-levelling CSS modules was created.

===== Unversioned Names =====

Each module will have an unversioned shorname on /TR, which aliases to the latest level. This is identical to the module shortname, except without the number, e.g. ''css-transitions''. (We already have this with /TR/selectors.)

**Issue:** Do we want to set this up on dev.w3.org as well? As alias or redirect?

**Issue:** At what point in the process does the shortname move over to the next level?
  * Option A = CR
  * Option B = Snapshot acceptance
  * Option C = REC

===== Versioned Names =====

Each module will have a versioned shortname on /TR, for accessing a specific level of the module. Currently we use ''cssN-foo'', but don't do this correctly for Level 1 modules like Flexbox.

== Option A ==

Follow ''cssN-foo'' pattern. Fix Level 1 specs by 
  * Republishing at ''css1-foo''
  * Setting up a temporary redirect from ''css3-foo'' to ''css1-foo'' until the module reaches level 3.
  * Unsolicited feedback from several authors indicates that this pattern is confusing, because of the connection with general "CSS3" messaging.

== Option B ==

Follow ''css-fooN'' pattern. Fix all specs by
  * Moving all specs to ''css-fooN''
  * Setting up permanent redirects from ''css3-foo'' to ''css-fooN''
  * This model is already used by Selectors, and several WebApps specs.

== Option C ==

Slight variation on Option B: follow ''css-foo-N'' pattern. Fix all specs by
  * Moving all specs to ''css-foo-N''
  * Setting up permanent redirects from ''css3-foo'' to ''css-foo-N''
  * This might be more readable.