A "byline" is a line in a newspaper, magazine, or online article that names the author of the piece. It typically appears at the beginning or end of an article and serves to credit the writer for their work. Bylines can include the author's full name, and sometimes their title or affiliation, providing readers with context about who wrote the content. Bylines are important in journalism and publishing as they establish accountability and credibility. They allow readers to identify the source of information and can influence how the content is perceived. In some cases, bylines may also include the name of the publication, such as The New York Times or The Guardian.