!
Exclamation mark
The exclamation mark (!) conveys strong emotion, emphasis, and urgency in written communication while serving critical logical functions in programming and mathematics.
Technical Details
- ASCII Code
- 33
- HTML Entity
- !
- Hexadecimal
- 0x21
- Binary
- 00100001
- Octal
- 41
Usage & Examples
Programming
char symbol = '!'; // ASCII 33HTML/Web
! or !Common Uses
How to Type This Character
Windows
Mac
💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!
Related Characters
About the Exclamation mark
Emotional Expression
The exclamation mark transforms flat text into emotionally expressive communication, indicating excitement, surprise, urgency, or strong emphasis. It's essential for conveying tone in digital communication where vocal inflection is absent.
Programming Functionality
In programming, ! serves as the logical NOT operator, boolean negation, and non-null assertion operator. It's fundamental to conditional logic, error handling, and type safety systems across programming languages.
Mathematical Notation
In mathematics, ! denotes factorial operations (5! = 120), probability calculations, and set theory operations, making it essential for statistical analysis and combinatorial mathematics.
Digital Communication Evolution
Social media and texting have amplified the exclamation mark's importance, with multiple exclamation marks (!!!) indicating increasing intensity. It's become crucial for marketing, user engagement, and emotional connection in digital spaces.
History of the Exclamation mark
Medieval Latin Origins
Developed from the Latin 'io' (expression of joy) written vertically, with the 'i' above the 'o', eventually stylized into the modern exclamation mark form.
English Typography
First appeared in English texts as 'the note of admiration,' establishing its role in expressing strong emotions and emphasis in formal written communication.
Programming Languages
Early programming languages adopted ! as the logical NOT operator, giving it fundamental importance in computer science and Boolean logic operations.
Mathematical Computing
Computer algebra systems standardized ! for factorial operations, making mathematical calculations more intuitive and establishing its role in computational mathematics.
Digital Expression
Text messaging and social media transformed the exclamation mark into a tool for digital emotional expression, with multiple marks indicating increased emphasis and excitement.
Cultural Impact
The exclamation mark bridged the gap between formal written language and spoken expression, enabling emotional nuance in text that has become essential for human connection in the digital age.
Usage Examples
Marketing & Advertising
ExampleCreates urgency and excitement in promotional content
Programming
ExampleBoolean logic and conditional statements
Mathematical Operations
ExampleEssential for permutations, combinations, and probability
Social Communication
ExampleEmotional expression in digital communication