.

Period Dot

ASCII Code: 46•Category: punctuation

The period (.) serves as the fundamental sentence terminator in written language while functioning as a decimal separator, file extension delimiter, and object notation operator in computing.

Technical Details

ASCII Code
46
HTML Entity
.
Hexadecimal
0x2E
Binary
00101110
Octal
56

Usage & Examples

Programming

char symbol = '.'; // ASCII 46

HTML/Web

. or .

Common Uses

periodfull stoppunctuationdecimaldotendprogramming

How to Type This Character

Windows

Alt Code:
Hold Alt and type46 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
,
Comma
#44
-
Hyphen
#45
:
Colon
#58
;
Semicolon
#59
?
Question mark
#63
#
Hash symbol
#35
*
Asterisk
#42
+
Plus sign
#43
<
Less-than sign
#60
=
Equal sign
#61
>
Greater-than sign
#62

About the Period Dot

Sentence Completion

The period marks the end of declarative sentences and thoughts, providing closure and finality to written expression. It creates the basic rhythm of written language and enables complex ideas to be broken into digestible units.

Numerical Precision

Essential as the decimal point in most countries, enabling precise mathematical calculations and measurements. The period separates whole numbers from fractional parts, making it fundamental to science, engineering, and finance.

File System Organization

Critical for file extensions (.txt, .pdf, .jpg) that enable operating systems to identify file types and launch appropriate applications. The period structures digital file organization across all computer systems.

Programming Syntax

Used for object property access (object.property), namespace separation, and method chaining in programming languages. The period enables hierarchical data access and code organization in software development.

History of the Period Dot

200 BCE

Ancient Greek Punctuation

Greek scholars used dots at different heights to indicate pauses, with the low dot (period) marking the end of complete thoughts and sentences.

600 CE

Medieval Manuscripts

Medieval scribes standardized the period as a sentence terminator, establishing its role in formal written communication that continues today.

1617

Decimal Notation

John Napier popularized the decimal point in mathematical notation, establishing the period's role in precise numerical calculation and scientific measurement.

1970s

File Extensions

Early computer operating systems adopted the period as a file extension separator, creating the foundation for modern file organization and application association.

1980s

Object-Oriented Programming

Programming languages like C++ and later Java used the period for object property access, establishing dot notation as fundamental to software development.

Cultural Impact

The period evolved from ancient speech notation to become essential for both human communication and computer operation, representing completion, precision, and organization across contexts.

Usage Examples

Sentence Termination

Example
The meeting ended at 5 PM. Everyone went home afterward.

Basic sentence completion and thought separation

Decimal Numbers

Example
Pi = 3.14159, Temperature = 98.6°F, Price = $24.99

Mathematical precision and financial notation

File Systems

Example
document.pdf, image.jpg, script.js, data.csv

File type identification and application association

Programming

Example
user.name, Math.PI, console.log(), array.length

Object property access and method invocation

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