Asterisk symbols appear constantly in code, chat, and documentation, yet many people are unsure what an asterisk is called in different contexts. Understanding the precise terminology helps developers, writers, and technical users communicate more clearly.
Across programming, typography, and messaging, the same mark has distinct names and roles. This article explains those variations and when each term is appropriate.
| Context | Common name | Unicode point | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programming and math | Asterisk | U+002A | Multiplication, wildcard, pointer |
| Keyboard layout labels | Star | U+002A | General key identification |
| Regular expressions | Repetition quantifier | U+002A | Match zero or more of previous element |
| Phone keypads | Star key | U+002A | Special function in telephony |
| Typography | Asterisk symbol | U+002A | Footnotes, disclaimers, censorship |
programming terminology for asterisk
In source code, developers usually refer to the mark as an asterisk. This name aligns with mathematical notation and most language documentation.
use in c pointers
In C and C++, asterisk denotes the pointer operator and dereference operator. It tells the compiler to work with memory addresses rather than direct values.
use in multiplication and sql
In many other languages, asterisk serves as the multiplication operator or expands to select all columns in SQL queries. Its consistent naming reduces confusion across teams.
messaging and keyboard contexts
On phones and keyboards, users commonly say star key when referring to the symbol. This phrasing matches how labels appear on physical keycaps and in system settings.
phone system shortcuts
Telephony menus use star for shortcuts such as transferring calls or accessing voicemail, even when documentation might also mention asterisk symbol for compatibility.
regular expressions and pattern matching
In regular expressions, the same character functions as a quantifier called star or Kleene star. It specifies that the preceding element can repeat zero or more times.
Tools like grep, Perl, and modern editors rely on this quantifier to build flexible search patterns. Naming it quantifier clarifies its behavior in formal explanations.
typography and editorial usage
In writing and publishing, the mark is usually called an asterisk symbol. Editors use it for footnotes, to censor text, or to add clarifying disclaimers.
When referencing the visual mark itself, terms like asterisk symbol or star are common. Style guides often specify which term to use for consistency across documentation.
practical guidance for using asterisk names
- Use
asteriskwhen writing technical documentation about code or operators - Say
star keyin user interface instructions or mobile contexts - Refer to
quantifierin formal discussions about regular expressions - Clarify the symbol role when communicating across audiences with different backgrounds
FAQ
Reader questions
what should i call it when writing code
Asterisk is the standard term in programming, matching language specifications and operator documentation across most platforms.
how do i refer to the key on my phone
On mobile devices, people usually say star key, which aligns with the label printed on the device and in system settings.
what is the name in regular expressions
In regex, it functions as a quantifier often called star or Kleene star, indicating that a pattern element can repeat any number of times.
why does the name change across contexts
The name varies to match domain conventions, such as pointer operator in C, multiplication sign in math, and footnote marker in typography.