> it was at IBM’s insistence that MS-DOS used backslash for directories and slas... | Hacker News

Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit

		lproven on July 14, 2022 \| parent \| context \| favorite \| on: CP/M is really open-source now > it was at IBM’s insistence that MS-DOS used backslash for directories and slash for options I think this is a misinterpretation. See the footnote in this article: http://www.os2museum.com/wp/why-does-windows-really-use-back... Look at the positions of `\` and `/` on this keyboard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_F_keyboard#/media/File:I... Both were easy-to-type characters on US-layout keyboards, not requiring shift or any other control key.

Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10
Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact