Underscore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids _ |
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Underscore
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The underscore ( _ ) is a special symbol that looks like a short line at the bottom of a word. It's also called an underline or low line. This symbol first appeared on old typewriters.
Back then, people used the underscore to literally underline words. To do this, they would type a word, then move the typewriter's paper back to the start of the word, and type the underscore character right over the letters. This made the word look underlined.
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Where You See the Underscore
Today, the underscore is mostly used in computers and on the internet. It helps connect words when you can't use a space.
In Computer Names
You often see the underscore in computer filenames, email addresses, and URLs (website addresses). This is because many computer systems don't allow spaces in these names. So, instead of "my file", you might see "my_file".
For Emphasis in Text
Sometimes, when people are typing in simple text programs like chat rooms or old emails, they use underscores to make words stand out. For example, typing _important_ might mean the word "important" should be underlined or emphasized, similar to how you might use italic or bold text in other programs.
Other Uses
The underscore is different from a dash or a hyphen. Even though they look a bit similar, they have different jobs. Sometimes, a series of underscores (like __________ ) is used to create a blank space on a form for you to fill in. It can also be used to make a simple horizontal line.
Images for kids
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A robot, symbolizing technology where underscores are often used.
