D

dash

Use dashes to separate information. You can use two types of dashes: the em dash and the en dash. The context determines whether an em dash or en dash is required. See "em dash" on page 21 and "en dash" on page 22.

See also "hyphen" on page 31 for the distinction between dashes and hyphens.

data

Although data is the plural form of the word datum, use it as a singular noun in technical writing. Write data is, not data are.

database

(modifier, noun)

debug

(verb)

decibel (dB)

Abbreviate units of measure when using them with a number to indicate a specific measurement.

decompose

Do not use this term. Instead, use divide or separate.

depress

Do not use this term. Instead, use press. See also "type" on page 75 for information on typing text.

deque

(noun) Short for double-ended queue--a queue data structure that can have elements added to or removed from either end. Pronounced "deck."

dequeue

(verb) To remove from a queue data structure. Pronounced "de-cue."

derive

(verb) Use in place of subclass.

derived class

(noun) Use in place of subclass.

descend

Do not use this term. Instead, use derive.

deselect

(verb) Use instead of unselect.

desire

Do not use this term. Use want or require.

desktop

(modifier, noun)

device-dependent

(modifier)

dial up

(verb)

dial-up

(modifier)

diameter (diam)

Spell out on first occurrence.

direct access

(noun)

direct-access

(modifier)

disc

Use this spelling for optical or compact discs only.

disk

Use this spelling for any disk other than an optical or compact disc.

diskette

State the size (3.5 or 5.25 in.). Do not use the modifier floppy.

divide

Use divide or separate instead of decompose.

Domain Name Service (DNS)

Spell out on first occurrence.

DOS

Use the acronym because it is more commonly recognized than disk operating system. Capitalize when referring to a specific disk operating system, such as DOS 5.0 or MS-DOS; lowercase disk operating system in generic references.

    ProDOS is an acronym for Professional Disk Operating System.
    DOS 5.0, Pascal, and ProDOS are all disk operating systems.

dots per inch (dpi)

Abbreviate units of measure when using them with a number to indicate a specific measurement.

double-check

(modifier, verb, noun)

double click

(noun)

double-click

(modifier, verb)

download

(verb)

drag and drop

(verb)

drag-and-drop

(modifier)

dump file

(noun)


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