Definition: line break

The end of a line of text in electronic form. Also called "EOL" (end-of-line), "newline," and "hard return," a line break code is generated when the Enter key is pressed, When typing a command on a command line, pressing Enter executes the command. When typing text, pressing Enter signifies the end of the paragraph, and subsequent text goes to the next line.

In word processing, line break codes, along with indent and other layout codes, are normally hidden on screen; however, a special, expanded mode may reveal them. Some text editors display line breaks as symbols (see below).

Different Codes for Windows and Mac
In Windows and DOS, the line break code is two characters: a carriage return followed by a line feed (CR/LF). In the Unix/Linux/Mac world, the code is just the line feed character (LF). In older Macs, the code was a single carriage return (CR); however, newer Macs also support old Mac documents. If line breaks are not converted between Windows and Mac platforms, the text displays and prints improperly. See soft return.

Very Clearly Spelled Out

In the settings of the Notepad++ text editor for Windows, the user can identify the target platform the text file is intended for, which requires different line breaks. The fact that the actual codes are identified is refreshing because even the simplest differences are typically hidden from the user.

Support for All Platforms

This RazorSQL database browser provides line break conversion. The \r is programming code for the CR; the \n is for the LF (newline).

Look for 0A and 0D

The LF and CR are the 11th an 13th ASCII characters, which in this hexadecimal chart are 0A and 0D (see ASCII chart).

Paragraph Symbols Differ

Line breaks show up as different symbols, depending on the text editor.