Angle brackets, also known as chevrons, are another form of brackets used in specific contexts. Let’s take a look at their usage, rules, and examples.
Table of Contents
Angle Brackets: <>
Enclosing HTML Tags:
In computer programming, specifically in HTML, angle brackets are used to enclose tags.
Example: <h1>This is a heading</h1>
Mathematical Notation:
Angle brackets can be used to denote an inner product or average in mathematics.
Example: The average of a set of numbers might be represented as ( \langle x \rangle ).
Enclosing Parameters:
In some technical and programming contexts, angle brackets are used to enclose parameters or placeholders.
Example: command <filename>
Linguistic Transcriptions:
In linguistics, angle brackets may be used to enclose the orthographic representation of a word.
Example: The word “cat” might be represented as <cat>.
Citations in Academic Writing:
Some citation systems may use angle brackets to enclose electronic addresses or URLs.
Example: <https://www.example.com>
Importance
Angle brackets serve specialized purposes in various fields, including computer programming, mathematics, linguistics, and technical writing. They are not typically used in everyday English writing but have specific functions in these areas.
Summary
Angle brackets are used to enclose and denote specific elements in various contexts such as HTML tags, mathematical notation, command parameters, and more. Understanding their proper usage is essential in fields like computer programming, mathematics, and technical writing. Their unique appearance and specific applications make them a valuable tool in conveying precise information in specialized contexts.