The @ symbol integral part of our digital lives. It's essential for sending and receiving emails , as well as for connecting to social networks , websites, and applications. But where did this symbol come from, and who created it? In this article, we'll tell you the fascinating story of the first use of the @ symbol in an email address .
The origin of the @
The @ symbol is not a recent invention. It has existed for centuries in various forms and names. It can be found, for example, in medieval manuscripts, where it served as an abbreviation for the Latin word ad , meaning " to " or " towards ." It was also used in commerce to indicate the unit price of goods. For example, " 10 apples @ 2 euros " meant " 10 apples at 2 euros each ."
The @ symbol was also adopted by typographers, who incorporated it into typewriters and computer keyboards . It was often placed above the number 2 or the capital P, depending on the model. But it wasn't until 1971 that the @ symbol found its most famous function: separating the username and the domain name in email addresses .
The father of email
The first person to use the @ symbol in an email address was an American engineer named Ray Tomlinson . He was working for the company BBN (Bolt, Beranek and Newman) , which was responsible for developing the ARPANET network , the precursor to the Internet . This network allowed computers located in different places, including universities and research centers, to be connected to each other.
Ray Tomlinson's mission was to create an email system that would run on ARPANET. He was inspired by a program called SNDMSG , which allowed messages to be sent to other users connected to the same computer. He then had the idea of adding a feature that would allow messages to be sent to other users connected to other computers.
To achieve this, a way had to be found to clearly identify the message recipient . Ray Tomlinson then thought of using the @ symbol, which had no other use in filenames or computer commands. He thus defined the standard format for email addresses: username@domainname .
The first email in history
The first email Ray Tomlinson ever sent was a simple test. It was a message he sent to himself, using two different computers connected via ARPANET. The message consisted of a few meaningless letters, such as “ QWERTYUIOP ”. Ray Tomlinson doesn't remember the exact content of the message, nor the precise date he sent it. He believes it was in October or November 1971 .
Ray Tomlinson didn't immediately realize the significance of his discovery. He simply informed his colleagues of the possibility of sending electronic messages between different computers. He also didn't patent his invention, nor did he seek to promote it . He continued working on other projects related to the ARPANET network.
It was only later that Ray Tomlinson was recognized as the father of email, and his use of the @ symbol was hailed as a stroke of genius. He received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the history of computing and communication. He died in 2016 at the age of 74 .
The @ today
Today, the @ symbol is a universal symbol, used in over 50 languages and found on all computer and smartphone keyboards. It is essential for sending and receiving emails , as well as for connecting to online services such as social networks, blogs, and forums. It is also used to mention or address individuals or organizations, using the format @name.
The @ symbol has also become a cultural symbol, expressing belonging to a community, an identity, or a cause. For example, some people use the @ symbol to replace masculine or feminine gender in words, as in “ ami(e)s ” or “ tou(te)s ”. Others use it to create portmanteau words, as in “ hack@thon ” or “ rock@billy ”.
The @ symbol has therefore transcended eras and fields, adapting to the needs and uses of its users. It bears witness to a technological and social revolution that has connected millions of people worldwide.
How do I type an @ symbol in my email?
To type an @ symbol in your email, you need to use your computer or smartphone keyboard . Depending on the keyboard model and language, the @ symbol may be located in different places. Here are a few examples:
- On a French AZERTY keyboard , the @ symbol is located in the top right corner, above the number 0. You have to press the Alt Gr key and the 0 key at the same time to make it appear.
- On an English QWERTY keyboard , the @ symbol is located in the bottom right corner, above the number 2. You have to press the Shift key and the 2 key at the same time to make it appear.
- On a German QWERTZ keyboard , the @ symbol is located in the bottom left corner, above the number Q. You have to press the Alt Gr key and the Q key at the same time to make it appear.
- On a smartphone , the @ symbol is usually located on the virtual keyboard, in the lower section. You need to press the Sym or 123 key to display the symbols, then select the @ symbol.
Once the @ symbol is displayed, simply place it between the username and the domain name to form a valid email address . For example: ray.tomlinson@bbn.com .
FAQ
What is the meaning of the @ symbol?
The @ symbol means “to” or “at” . It is used to separate the username and domain name in email addresses.
Who invented the @ symbol in email addresses?
The first person to use the @ symbol in an email address was an American engineer named Ray Tomlinson. He did so in 1971, as part of the development of the ARPANET network, the precursor to the Internet.
What was the first email sent with the @ symbol?
The first email sent with the @ symbol was a simple test . It was a message Ray Tomlinson sent to himself, using two different computers connected via ARPANET. The message consisted of a few meaningless letters, such as “ QWERTYUIOP ”.
How did the @ symbol become a universal symbol?
The @ symbol has become a universal symbol thanks to the popularization of email and the internet. It is used in more than 50 languages and appears on all computer and smartphone keyboards. It is also used to connect to online services , such as social networks, blogs, and forums.
What are the other uses of the @ symbol?
The @ symbol also has cultural and creative uses . It is used to mention or address people or organizations, using the format @name. It also expresses belonging to a community, an identity or a cause, by replacing the masculine or feminine gender in words, or by creating portmanteau words .
What are the advantages and disadvantages of @?
The @ symbol has advantages and disadvantages. It facilitates communication and connection between people and online services. It also allows for the creation of original and playful expressions . However, it can also be a source of confusion or misunderstandings if its meaning is unclear or if it is misused.
Furthermore, the @ symbol facilitates communication and connection between people and online services . It is essential for sending and receiving emails, as well as for connecting to social networks, websites, and applications. Among the various ways to access one's inbox, webmail is one of the most convenient and popular options.
