An asterisk (*) is a typographical symbol that serves various purposes in writing and typography. It is commonly used to denote a footnote or endnote reference, indicate omitted material, or mark a required field in a form. In programming, an asterisk is often employed as a wildcard character, matching any character or string.
The asterisk has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. It was originally used as an ornament in manuscripts and later adopted as a mathematical symbol. Over time, it has evolved into a versatile tool with a wide range of applications.