Lingua-e
← Glossary

What does "tilde" mean in programming?

tilde is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.

Definition

The ~ character. In most languages it is the bitwise NOT operator. In npm/package.json it means 'patch-compatible version'. In Unix-like systems ~ is shorthand for the home directory.

Example

"cd ~ takes you to your home directory in a Unix terminal."

Related terms

Ready to practice your English at work?

Lingua-e has interactive exercises built around real developer conversations: standups, code reviews, retrospectives, and more. Practice until it comes naturally.

Try Lingua-e for free