VFAT
TLDR: VFAT (Virtual File Allocation Table) was introduced by Microsoft in 1993 as an extension to the FAT file system, providing support for long file names of up to 255 characters while maintaining backward compatibility with older FAT16 systems. VFAT was first implemented in Windows for Workgroups 3.11 and later became a key feature in Windows 95. This enhancement revolutionized file management by allowing descriptive file names, improving usability for both personal and professional computing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFAT
VFAT achieves long file name support by storing additional metadata in hidden entries within the directory structure, referred to as “LFN entries.” These entries coexist with the standard 8.3 short file name format, ensuring compatibility with older systems that rely on FAT16. This design allowed users to seamlessly access and manage files with descriptive names without breaking older applications and utilities that were limited to the 8.3 naming convention.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/fileio/file-allocation-table
As a critical step in the evolution of file systems, VFAT set the stage for the widespread adoption of user-friendly file naming conventions. While VFAT has since been superseded by more advanced file systems like FAT32 and NTFS, its influence remains evident in modern storage solutions that prioritize usability and backward compatibility. Today, VFAT is still used in embedded systems and as a bridge for compatibility in cross-platform file sharing.
https://www.kernel.org/doc/html/latest/filesystems/vfat.html