Dots in Computing The dot, or period (.), is a ubiquitous symbol in computing with numerous functions. File Paths and Directories: * Directory Path: A dot (.) represents the current directory in a file path. For example, “/home/user/.config” denotes a hidden configuration directory within the user’s home directory. * Parent Directory: Two dots (..) represent the parent directory of the current directory. For example, “/home/user/../projects” refers to the “projects” directory in the home directory’s parent directory. Object Notation: * Object Members: In object-oriented programming, a dot separates an object from its member variables or functions. For example, “obj.name” accesses the “name” property of the object “obj.” * Nested Classes: A dot can be used to define nested classes within a class. For example, “OuterClass.InnerClass” defines an “InnerClass” nested within “OuterClass.” File Extensions: * File Type Identifiers: The dot is used as a separator between a file’s name and its extension, which indicates its file type. For example, “document.pdf” indicates a Portable Document Format (PDF) file. Special Files: * Hidden Files: In Unix-like systems, files beginning with a dot are considered hidden. For example, “.bashrc” is a hidden file in a user’s home directory. * Current Working Directory: In the “ls” command in Unix systems, a single dot represents the current working directory. String Manipulation: * Concatenation: In some programming languages, the dot operator can be used for string concatenation. For example, in Python, “a” + “.” + “b” results in the string “a.b.” Miscellaneous Uses: * Decimal Points: In numeric contexts, a dot is used as a decimal point. For example, “12.34” represents the number twelve and thirty-four hundredths. * Ellipsis: Three dots (…) represent an ellipsis, indicating omitted elements or a continuation. For example, in a function argument list, “…” can be used to accept an arbitrary number of arguments. The dot is a versatile symbol that serves numerous purposes in computing, both as a way to organize files and objects and as a shorthand notation for various operations and concepts.The Ellipsis
The Ellipsis The ellipsis, represented by three consecutive periods (…), is a punctuation mark that signifies an omission or a pause in thought. It is commonly used in writing to indicate: 1. Omissions: * Text removal: The ellipsis can indicate that words or phrases have been omitted for brevity or clarity. For example: “The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese…” * Uncompleted thoughts: The ellipsis can be used to suggest that a thought has been left unfinished or cut off. For example: “I was just thinking about… well, never mind.” * Hidden information: In certain contexts, the ellipsis can be used to indicate that information has been withheld or obscured for privacy or dramatic effect. For example: “The witness claimed to have seen… but they refused to elaborate.” 2. Pauses and Hesitations: The ellipsis can also be used to represent a pause or hesitation in speech or writing. It can convey: * Uncertainty or reflection: The ellipsis can indicate that the speaker or writer is uncertain about what to say or that they are taking a moment to reflect. For example: “Well, I’m not sure… I think…” * Trailing off: The ellipsis can suggest that the speaker or writer’s voice is trailing off into silence or that they are pausing to gather their thoughts. For example: “It was a long and difficult journey… but we made it…” 3. Dramatic or Literary Effect: In literature and creative writing, the ellipsis can be used for dramatic or literary effect. It can: * Build suspense: The ellipsis can create a sense of anticipation or uncertainty by suggesting that something is about to happen or that information is yet to be revealed. * Highlight emotions: The ellipsis can emphasize emotions, such as frustration, hesitation, or wonder. * Create a sense of fragmentation: The ellipsis can break up text and create a sense of discontinuity or fragmentation, reflecting the speaker’s or writer’s inner state. It is important to use the ellipsis sparingly and appropriately to avoid creating confusion or disrupting the flow of writing. Overuse or misuse can weaken the impact of the punctuation mark.
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