Versioning Convention
Definition
A systematic file-naming or directory structure that identifies which version of a processed file is current, preserves earlier processing stages, and prevents overwriting. Critical for multimedia casework where multiple processing steps produce multiple intermediate files.
- Purpose
- Track successive processing generations without overwriting originals
- Domain
- Multimedia forensic casework
- Method
- Systematic file-naming or directory structure
- Linked to
- Chain-of-custody documentation for media evidence
Common questions
Why does multimedia casework especially need a versioning convention?+
Video and audio enhancement typically produce several intermediate files, such as extracted frames, stabilised copies, and enhanced exports, and without a clear naming scheme it becomes hard to prove which file is the untouched original.
What happens if a lab skips a versioning convention?+
The lab risks accidentally overwriting or losing the original evidence file, and may be unable to demonstrate in court an unbroken, documented chain from the original to the final exhibit shown.
Related terms
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- Hash Value
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- Proprietary DVR Format
- Video storage format used by commercial CCTV/DVR systems that is specific to the manufacturer, often unplayable without the vendor's own software. The...
- Working Copy
- A copy of an exhibit on which examination work is performed, created from a verified forensic image. The original or master copy...
- Write Blocker
- A hardware or software device interposed between a digital storage medium and the forensic workstation that prevents any write commands from reaching...