# Slashes

Avoid using slashes, except in code.

## Slashes with dates

Don't use date formats that rely on slashes.

For information about how to write dates, see
[Dates and times](https://developers.google.com/style/dates-times).

## Slashes with alternatives

Don't use slashes to separate alternatives.

Recommended: For example, a disaster
relief map is not subject to the usage limits even if it has been developed and
is hosted by a commercial entity.

Recommended: For example, a disaster
relief map is not subject to the usage limits even if it has been developed or
is hosted by a commercial entity.

Not recommended: For example, a disaster
relief map is not subject to the usage limits even if it has been
developed/hosted by a commercial entity.

Recommended: Call this method five or six
times.

Not recommended: Call this method 5/6
times.

### And/or

Often, *and* implies *or*, so you don't need to write both words.
If you need to specify both in your content, avoid writing *and/or* except
when space is limited, such as in tables.

Recommended: You can view
and edit your own data.

Not recommended: You can
view and/or edit your own data.

Recommended: You can
export raw events, processed events, or both.

Not recommended: You can
export raw and/or processed events.

## Slashes with file paths and URLs

Use forward slashes, as appropriate, in computer file paths and URLs.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note**: If you're documenting a Windows path, use backslashes.

Recommended:
https://developers.google.com/cardboard/

Where very long URLs extend beyond a line, add a line break immediately after
a slash. Don't ever insert an extraneous hyphen into a URL to break it between two lines.
Recommended:
https://developers.google.com/

cardboard/

## Slashes with fractions

Don't use slashes with fractions because they can be ambiguous.

In the following example, 3/4 could be interpreted either as three-quarters
or as stating that 4 is an alternative to 3.

Recommended: ¾

Recommended: 0.75

Recommended: 75%

Not recommended: 3/4

## Slashes with abbreviations

Don't use abbreviations that rely on slashes. Instead, spell the words out.

Recommended: care of, with

Not recommended: c/o, w/