layeredsuffix

Layered suffix is a naming pattern in which a base token is followed by multiple suffix components that collectively convey several layers of information about the item. The components are typically separated by a delimiter such as a period. For example, data.csv.gz combines two suffixes: .csv indicating the data format and .gz indicating that the file is compressed. Similarly, archive.tar.gz stacks two archival and compression suffixes, reflecting successive processing steps applied to the original content.

Usage: In file naming and packaging, layered suffixes help encode provenance and format without changing the base name. They are also used in some build and deployment artifacts to signal compatibility targets or processing stages. In practice, software and tooling may treat the rightmost suffix as the primary type, while earlier suffixes carry secondary information; however, behavior varies by platform and tool.

Design considerations: Parsing layered suffixes requires rules about delimiter handling, escaping, and normalization. Ambiguity can arise when tools interpret part of the suffix as a separate component or when names do not include conventional separators. Canonicalization and robust lookup are important for interoperability.

Limitations: Not all systems recognize layered suffix semantics; misinterpretation can occur if tools assume a single extension. As such, layered suffix usage tends to be informal and convention-driven rather than standardized.

See also: file extension, archive formats, packaging metadata.