What Is * symbol

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: The asterisk (*) is a versatile typographical symbol used across mathematics, computing, and writing to represent multiplication, wildcards, footnotes, and other special meanings. First used in medieval manuscripts around the 1400s to mark important passages, it became standardized in computer programming during the 1950s when keyboards needed to represent the multiplication operator. Today, the asterisk appears in virtually every programming language and digital interface, serving over 15 different functions depending on context.

Key Facts

The asterisk symbol originated in medieval manuscripts around the 1400s where it was called the 'sterne' symbol and used to mark important passages
The asterisk was standardized as the multiplication operator in computing during the 1950s when computer keyboards first needed to represent mathematical operators
In programming, the asterisk serves over 15 different functions including multiplication, pointer dereference, wildcard matching, and regular expression quantifiers
The asterisk's wildcard functionality in databases and file systems processes millions of queries daily in enterprise systems worldwide
In digital communication, the double asterisk (**text**) for bold formatting is used by millions daily on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and GitHub through Markdown

Overview

The asterisk (*) is a typographical symbol that has served as one of the most versatile characters in modern communication and computation. Originally derived from the Latin word "stella" meaning "star," the asterisk has evolved from its medieval origins as a notation mark to become an indispensable symbol in mathematics, computing, linguistics, and written text. Its five-pointed shape has made it instantly recognizable across cultures and languages, allowing it to transcend linguistic barriers.

In the context of modern computing and digital communication, the asterisk has become exponentially more important since the 1950s when computer keyboards first standardized its inclusion. Today, the symbol appears in virtually every programming language, text editor, and digital interface, serving different purposes depending on its context. From representing multiplication in mathematical expressions to functioning as a wildcard in database queries, the asterisk's flexibility has made it essential for professionals across numerous fields including software development, mathematics, data science, and content creation.

How It Works

The asterisk functions differently depending on the context in which it appears, adapting its meaning based on the surrounding system or language rules. Understanding these various applications helps users navigate digital systems and programming environments more effectively.

Multiplication Operator: In mathematics and most programming languages, the asterisk represents multiplication, such as 5 * 3 = 15. This convention became standardized in computing during the 1950s because keyboards lacked a traditional multiplication symbol (×).
Wildcard Character: In file systems and databases, the asterisk matches any sequence of characters, such as *.txt which represents all text files. This functionality, introduced in early Unix systems, allows users to search and filter large collections of data efficiently with minimal typing.
Footnote Marker: In written text and documents, the asterisk traditionally marks footnotes or endnotes, appearing as a small superscript symbol that directs readers to additional information. This usage dates back centuries to printed books before modern referencing systems were developed.
Pointer Dereference: In programming languages like C and C++, the asterisk declares pointers and accesses the value stored at a memory address. This advanced feature allows programmers to work directly with memory, enabling more efficient code and complex data structures.
Regular Expression Quantifier: In pattern matching, the asterisk means "zero or more occurrences" of the preceding character or group. This powerful feature, supported by languages like Python, JavaScript, and Perl, enables sophisticated text searching and data validation across approximately 90% of modern programming languages.

Key Comparisons

The asterisk differs from other similar symbols in both appearance and function, though they are sometimes confused:

Symbol	Appearance	Primary Use	Context
Asterisk (*)	Five-pointed star shape	Multiplication, wildcards, footnotes	Universal across mathematics, programming, and writing
Multiplication Sign (×)	Diagonal cross	Mathematical multiplication only	Primarily used in hand-written mathematics and formal mathematical notation
Dot (·)	Single centered point	Alternative multiplication in advanced mathematics	Scientific and mathematical documents, less common in computing
Plus (+)	Horizontal and vertical cross	Addition operator	Mathematics, computing, and general notation systems
Question Mark (?)	Hook with dot shape	Single character wildcard in databases	File systems and database queries, complementary to asterisk

Why It Matters

Programming Essential: The asterisk appears in over 15 different programming constructs across major languages, making it impossible to write functional code without understanding its multiple meanings. Developers must recognize context clues to interpret whether an asterisk represents multiplication, a pointer operation, or a wildcard search.
Data Management: In database systems and file operations, the asterisk's wildcard functionality processes millions of queries daily across enterprises worldwide. This single character enables efficient filtering of massive datasets that would be impractical to specify individually without using wildcards.
Pattern Recognition: Regular expressions using the asterisk quantifier power search-and-replace functions in text editors, enabling content creators and developers to find and modify patterns in thousands of documents simultaneously. This capability has become fundamental to modern content management and data validation.
Global Communication: In digital communication platforms including social media, the asterisk enables formatting through Markdown and similar markup languages. Millions of users daily employ double asterisks (**text**) to create bold formatting on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and GitHub.

The asterisk remains one of the most important symbols in digital culture, bridging mathematics, programming, writing, and communication systems. Its versatility ensures that whether you're writing code, searching databases, writing scientific papers, or formatting social media posts, understanding the asterisk's multiple meanings is essential for effective participation in the modern digital world. As technology continues to evolve, the asterisk's importance will likely increase rather than diminish, making it a symbol worth mastering for anyone engaging with digital systems.