The concept of an '''underscore''' (_), also known as an '''underline''', is a character that appears at the bottom of the space that would be occupied by a letter or a number. It is commonly used in computing and typography for various purposes. The underscore has a rich history and a variety of uses in different contexts, ranging from programming languages to social media.
==History==
The '''underscore''' ( _ ) is a character that originated on the typewriter and was primarily used to underline words. In modern computing, it is often used as a substitute for a space in file names, email addresses, and URLs where spaces are not allowed.
The underscore character originated from the typewriter era. It was used to underline words for emphasis. Typists would type a word, backspace, and then underscore each letter to achieve this effect. With the advent of digital text processing, the need for manual underlining was eliminated, but the underscore character found new roles in the digital world.
==Uses==
=== History ===
===Programming===
The underscore was originally used on typewriters to underline words. The typist would type the word, backspace, and then type underscores to underline it. With the advent of computers, the underscore became a character in its own right.
In [[computer programming]], the underscore is often used in variable names, especially in languages that do not allow spaces in identifiers. For example, a variable name "user_name" is more readable than "username" or "UserName" in certain contexts. It is also used in special methods in languages like [[Python (programming language)|Python]], where methods like `__init__` have a specific meaning to the interpreter.
===File Naming===
=== Usage in Computing ===
In [[file systems]] that do not support spaces in file names, underscores are commonly used as a substitute for spaces. For example, "my_document.txt" instead of "my document.txt".
In computing, the underscore is used in various contexts:
===Social Media===
* '''File Names''': It is often used in file names to replace spaces, e.g., `my_file_name.txt`.
On [[social media]] platforms, underscores are frequently used in usernames, where spaces are not allowed. For example, a user might choose the handle "john_doe" instead of "JohnDoe".
* '''Programming Languages''': Many programming languages use underscores in variable names, e.g., `my_variable`.
* '''URLs and Email Addresses''': Since spaces are not allowed, underscores are used as separators.
===Markdown and Wikitext===
=== Cultural References ===
In [[Markdown]] and [[Wikitext]], underscores are used for formatting text. For example, wrapping a word in underscores will italicize it, making it _italic_.
The underscore has also found its way into popular culture, often used in usernames and online identities.
==Typography==
== Related pages ==
In typography, the underscore is used less frequently for its original purpose of underlining text, as text processors and word editors now provide more straightforward methods for text emphasis, such as bold and italic formatting. However, it still finds its place in certain stylistic choices and specific contexts.
* [[Hyphen]]
* [[Dash]]
* [[Space (punctuation)]]
==Accessibility==
== Images ==
The use of underscores in digital content has implications for [[accessibility]]. Screen readers and other assistive technologies may interpret underscores differently, potentially affecting the readability of information for users with visual impairments. It is essential to consider these aspects when designing digital content.
[[File:MEK_II-371.jpg|thumb|right|An example of an underscore on a typewriter.]]
[[File:Underlined.SVG|thumb|right|Illustration of underlining using underscores.]]
==Conclusion==
[[Category:Punctuation]]
The underscore is a versatile character that has adapted to various roles in the digital age. From its origins on the typewriter to its current uses in programming, file naming, and social media, the underscore exemplifies how digital practices evolve and repurpose traditional elements for new needs.
The underscore ( _ ) is a character that originated on the typewriter and was primarily used to underline words. In modern computing, it is often used as a substitute for a space in file names, email addresses, and URLs where spaces are not allowed.
History
The underscore was originally used on typewriters to underline words. The typist would type the word, backspace, and then type underscores to underline it. With the advent of computers, the underscore became a character in its own right.
Usage in Computing
In computing, the underscore is used in various contexts:
File Names: It is often used in file names to replace spaces, e.g., `my_file_name.txt`.
Programming Languages: Many programming languages use underscores in variable names, e.g., `my_variable`.
URLs and Email Addresses: Since spaces are not allowed, underscores are used as separators.
Cultural References
The underscore has also found its way into popular culture, often used in usernames and online identities.
