Question: What is a backward slash called and how is it used?
The backward slash or backslash is a reverse solidus (the forward slash is the solidus or virgule).
Answer: The reverse solidus is most commonly used as a path separator in Windows as in C:\Program Files\Adobe\InDesign and as a character in some programming languages such as Perl.
The reverse solidus is also known as a reverse division character, although that usage is rare.
On a standard US keyboard the \ shares a key with | (pipe/vertical bar - Shift+\) at the end of the QWERTY row of keys. You can also use ALT+92 for the same character.
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