What is an alphanumeric code?
Q: What is an alphanumeric code?
A: An alphanumeric code is a combination of letters and numbers.
Q: Why are certain letters excluded from alphanumeric codes?
A: Certain letters, such as I, O and Q are excluded from alphanumeric codes because they can be easily mistaken for the numbers 1 and 0.
Q: In what situations might an alphanumeric code be used?
A: Alphanumeric codes are often used in passenger aircraft seat labeling, motor vehicle identification numbers, electrical connector pin labeling, and other applications where mistakes must be avoided.
Q: What is the DEC alphabet?
A: The DEC alphabet is a set of letter-number combinations that was developed by the company Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) to ease eye strain when reading tiny embossed letters on V.35/M34 electrical connectors. It excludes the letters I, O, Q, S and Z in favor of 1, 0, 5, 3 and 2 respectively.
Q: Is it possible to use symbols other than letters or numbers in an alphanumeric code?
A: While Merriam-Webster dictionary suggests that symbols such as punctuation marks or mathematical symbols may also be included in an alphanumeric code, this is not usually how the term 'alphanumeric' is used. The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary defines it as only consisting of letters and numbers.
Q: Are upper case (capital) or lower case (small) versions of a letter interchangeable in an alphanumberic code?
A: Yes - it does not matter whether you write them in upper case (capital letters) or lower case (small letters). Alphanumerics are usually "case insensitive".
