Underscore

Underscore

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.

Related pages

• Hyphen
• Dash
• Space (punctuation)

Images

An example of an underscore on a typewriter.

Illustration of underlining using underscores.

Underscore

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