Vorwärtsschrägstriche

Vorwärtsschrägstriche, also known as forward slashes or solidi, are a typographical symbol consisting of a diagonal line from upper left to lower right. They are commonly used in computing, mathematics, and general writing. In computing, forward slashes are often used as directory separators in file paths, for example, in Unix-like operating systems. They can also denote division in mathematical expressions, though the horizontal fraction bar is more prevalent.

In written language, forward slashes serve various purposes. They can indicate alternative options, such as "and/or." They are also used to separate lines of poetry when the original line breaks are not preserved in a continuous text. In some contexts, they can be used to represent the word "per," as in "miles/hour." The symbol's versatility has led to its widespread adoption across different fields. The term "Vorwärtsschrägstriche" is the German word for forward slash, directly translating to "forward diagonal stroke." Its use in German mirrors the functions seen in English and other languages, reinforcing its global significance as a punctuation mark and operator.