Delimiter Meaning: Definition and Examples
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delimiter
[ˈdelɪˌmiːtə ]
Definition
data management
A delimiter is a character or sequence of characters that marks the beginning or end of a unit of data. It is commonly used in programming and data processing to separate distinct pieces of information within a file or a string. For example, commas are often used as delimiters in CSV files.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- In a CSV file, commas serve as delimiters to separate values.
- The tab character is often used as a delimiter in text files.
- When parsing JSON, braces are used as delimiters for objects.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- Common delimiters in programming include commas, spaces, or tabs, which help separate data entries.
- Data formats like CSV (Comma-Separated Values) utilize commas as delimiters to organize structured data.
- In databases, delimiters are crucial for parsing SQL queries and ensuring data integrity.
Literature
- In poetry, a delimiter can function as a punctuation mark that defines the rhythm and structure of a line.
- Writers often use quotation marks as delimiters to set off dialogue from the rest of the text.
- Delimiting phrases can create clarity in complicated arguments within essay writing.
Psychology
- Cognitive scientists propose that the human brain uses mental delimiters to categorize and understand complex information.
- Delimiters in language help individuals to process and comprehend spoken or written information more effectively.
- Understanding how to use delimiters can enhance communication skills and clarity in expression.
Pop Culture
- The concept of delimiters is often humorously referenced in tech-themed TV shows, illustrating the confusion technology can create.
- Comic strips often use visual delimiters, like boxes or lines, to separate panels and enhance storytelling.
- In certain video games, delimiters can signify boundaries between different gameplay zones, enriching the player experience.
Origin of 'delimiter'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'limitatio,' which means 'to set boundaries or limits.'
- It evolved into Middle English as 'delimiten' before being formalized in modern usage.
- In computing, the term gained traction in the 1960s with the rise of programming languages.
The word 'delimiter' is derived from the root word 'limit', which comes from the Latin 'limitem', meaning boundary or limit. However, the specific term 'delimiter' emerged in the field of computer science and data management in the mid-20th century, as systems began to require methods to distinctly segment data for effective processing and representation. The use of delimiters became especially prevalent with the rise of programming languages and data formats that required structured ways to interpret information. As data exchange became more common between different systems, the standardized use of delimiters in formats like CSV, XML, and JSON highlighted their importance in ensuring correct data parsing and retrieval.