A forward slash (/) is a punctuation mark used in writing and computing. It is often employed to separate elements, such as in dates (e.g., 12/31/2023) or to indicate alternatives (e.g., and/or). In web addresses, it helps to structure URLs, guiding users to specific pages. In programming, the forward slash serves various functions, such as denoting division in mathematical expressions or indicating the start of a comment in some coding languages. It is also used in file paths to separate directories, making it essential for navigating systems like Windows or Linux.