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Comma

ASCII Code: 44•Category: punctuation

The comma (,) is the most frequently used punctuation mark, essential for sentence structure, list separation, and data formatting across writing, programming, and digital communication.

Technical Details

ASCII Code
44
HTML Entity
,
Hexadecimal
0x2C
Binary
00101100
Octal
54

Usage & Examples

Programming

char symbol = ','; // ASCII 44

HTML/Web

, or ,

Common Uses

commapunctuationseparatorpauselistsgrammardata

How to Type This Character

Windows

Alt Code:
Hold Alt and type44 on numeric keypad
Character Map:
Search "Character Map" in Start menu

Mac

Character Viewer:
Press Ctrl +Cmd +Space
Copy & Paste:
Easiest method - copy from this page!

💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!

Related Characters

!
Exclamation mark
#33
"
Double quotes
#34
'
Single quote
#39
-
Hyphen
#45
.
Period Dot
#46
:
Colon
#58
;
Semicolon
#59
?
Question mark
#63
«
Left Guillemet Double Angle Quotes
#171
»
Right Guillemet Double Angle Quotes
#187
¿
Inverted Question Mark
#191
/
Forward slash
#47

About the Comma

Grammatical Foundation

The comma creates rhythm and clarity in sentences by indicating pauses, separating clauses, and organizing complex ideas. It prevents ambiguity and misreading, making it fundamental to clear written communication in all contexts.

Data Formatting

Critical for CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files, database exports, and structured data interchange. The comma enables systematic data organization and transfer between systems, making it essential for business and technical applications.

International Standards

While English uses commas for thousands separation (1,000), many countries use them as decimal separators (1,5 for 1.5), making comma usage a key consideration in international software and documentation.

Digital Communication

Essential for email addresses, programming syntax, and markup languages. The comma structures everything from contact lists to function parameters, maintaining its relevance in digital contexts.

History of the Comma

300 BCE

Greek Origins

Greek grammarian Aristophanes of Byzantium developed a system of dots to indicate pauses in speech, including the comma (komma) meaning 'to cut off' or 'short clause.'

1500s

Printing Press

Renaissance printers standardized the curved comma shape we recognize today, establishing consistent typographic conventions that spread throughout European printing.

1644

English Grammar Rules

Joseph Robertson's grammar established formal comma rules for English, codifying usage patterns that became the foundation for modern punctuation education.

1972

CSV File Format

IBM developed the Comma-Separated Values format for data exchange, making the comma essential for database management and electronic data interchange systems.

1990s

Internet Protocols

Web technologies adopted comma separation for HTTP headers, email formatting, and data transmission, establishing the comma's role in modern digital infrastructure.

Cultural Impact

The comma evolved from ancient speech notation to become the organizational backbone of both human language and computer data, enabling clear communication across cultures and technologies.

Usage Examples

Sentence Structure

Example
I went to the store, bought groceries, and returned home.

Series separation and clause organization in writing

Data Files

Example
CSV: Name,Age,City\nJohn,25,New York\nMary,30,Boston

Structured data formatting for databases and spreadsheets

Programming

Example
function(param1, param2, param3) { return [item1, item2, item3]; }

Parameter separation and array/list notation

Number Formatting

Example
Population: 1,234,567 (US) vs 1.234.567 (European)

Thousands separation varies by international convention

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