On Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 11:38, Richard Travers  wrote:

> What exactly is wrong with using an extension to identify a file type? It is 
> a simple, straightforward system that works.

Because that  system _fails_ more often than it succeeds.

> it makes it immediately obvious from the file name what application is needed 
> to open that file,

Take the extension ".bbl".

This is used for:
* TeX/BibTex files;
* e-Sword Bible resources;
* Pocket e-Sword Bible resources;
*  At least five other mutually incompatible programs;

Take the extension ".wks".
This is used by:
*  MSWorks;
*  XLisp WorkSpace;
*  Tandy Deskmate;
*  Lotus 123;

Or maybe you prefer to explain how to differentiate between the ten
(or more) mutually incompatible file formats that use ".doc" as the
file extension.

jonathon
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