delimiter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delimiter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to programming, data processing, or linguistics to refer to a character or sequence of characters that separates different elements in a data stream or text. Example: "In the CSV file, the comma acts as a delimiter between the values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In discussing the need for the local solution, the Australian techno blog Delimiter said: "this style of 'enterprise 2.0′ technology probably hasn't been adopted as widely in Australia as countries like the US yet, purely because many organisations need their data to be maintained on-shore".

The Guardian

Truth: Labor's new NBN plan is pitch perfect (Delimiter, $) Praise for Labor's NBN policy from Australian technology journalist Renai LeMay.

The Guardian

Evans was a natural expander; this concert was a delimiter.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It calls out for a delimitation of quantifier scope by brackets or other delimiters rather than struggling to maintain freedom from parentheses at all costs.

SEP

Since there are no limb girdles associated with the skeleton, there are no good delimiters of regions, but snakes are generally regarded as having only two kinds of vertebrae: body (precaudal) and tail (caudal).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The abbreviations and the interspersed explanations in the sketch above may obscure that arithmetic has been formalized in a language that consists of five symbols (when juxtaposition is not counted): S, K, = plus two delimiters,  (  and  ) .

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When working with data files, clearly define your "delimiter" at the beginning of your script or process to ensure consistent data parsing.

Common error

Avoid using different "delimiters" within the same data file or process, as this can lead to parsing errors and data corruption. Stick to a single, well-defined delimiter.

Linguistic Context

The noun "delimiter" functions as a separator or boundary marker, defining the limits between different data elements. Ludwig examples highlight its use in contexts such as comma-delimited files and quantifier scope delimitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "delimiter" refers to a character or sequence of characters that separates elements within data or text. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it's commonly used in contexts ranging from data processing to mathematical logic. Ludwig AI confirms that "delimiter" is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though relatively rare. Its primary function is to clearly define boundaries, ensuring accurate parsing and interpretation, especially in formal, scientific, and technical environments. Alternative terms include "separator", "boundary marker", and "field separator".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Separator character

Specifies the character used to divide elements.

Boundary marker

Focuses on the role of indicating a limit or border.

Field separator

Highlights the separation of data fields.

Record separator

Emphasizes the division between records.

Division indicator

Broadly indicates something that signifies a division.

Partitioning element

Highlights the division into partitions.

Demarcation point

Stresses the exact location of separation.

Segmentation key

Focuses on the element used for segmentation.

Splitting factor

Emphasizes the role in splitting data.

Parsing token

Highlights the role of the symbol in parsing data.

FAQs

How is "delimiter" used in programming?

In programming, a "delimiter" is a character or sequence of characters that marks the boundary between separate, independent regions in data. For instance, in a CSV file, a comma often serves as the delimiter, separating different data fields.

What are common examples of "delimiters"?

Common examples of "delimiters" include commas, tabs, spaces, and semicolons. The choice of delimiter depends on the specific data format and the potential for conflicts with the data itself.

What can I use instead of "delimiter"?

You can use alternatives like "separator", "divider", or "boundary" depending on the specific context.

How does a "delimiter" differ from an escape character?

A "delimiter" separates distinct data elements, while an escape character is used to give a special meaning to the character that follows it, often to include characters that would otherwise be interpreted as delimiters within a data field.