Backslash ... The backslash \ is a typographical mark used mainly in computing and mathematics. It is the mirror image of the common slash ('solidus'), /. It is a relatively recent mark, first documented in the 1930s. The backward slash symbol "\" is primarily used in computing and programming as an escape character. Learn how to easily type the backslash symbol on your keyboard with our step-by-step guide for all users. Also called a backward slash, downward slash, and reverse solidus, the backslash is a character ( \ ) introduced by Bob Bemer in 1960. Although "slash" often describes the forward slash, it can describe either a forward slash or backslash. It's better to say "backslash" or "whack" instead of "slash" when telling someone to enter a backslash. It is called a "backslash" because it is the reverse of the slash (/) or forward slash. The backslash is used in several computer systems, and in many programming languages such as C and Perl. The meaning of BACKSLASH is a mark \ used especially in computer programming. Backslash The backslash (\), is a glyph mostly used in computing. It has other names, like reverse slash, backslant, and slosh. [1] It is not used in normal writing, which is one reason for its use in computing. This post will walk you through how to type the backslash and pipe symbol on any keyboard, why it matters for coding, and what to do if these characters are completely missing from your keyboard. Find the best Slash & Backslash text symbols and characters. Copy / \ ／ \ ⁄ for use in social media bios, captions, and usernames on Instagram, TikTok, and Discord. The slash is a slanting line punctuation mark /. It is also known as a stroke or solidus, a forward slash and several other historical or technical names.