back end, back-end
Two words as a noun, hyphenate as an adjective.
Avoid using if you can use a contextually relevant term such as database, server, or operating system.
backlink
One word. Not back link or back-link.
backslash
One word. Not back slash or back-slash.
Use backslash to describe the \ character.
backspace
One word. Not back space or back-space.
It’s OK to use backspace as a verb.
backup, back up
Two words as a verb, one word as an adjective or a noun.
Not back-up.
backward compatible
Not backwards compatible or backwards compatibility.
bandwidth
One word. Not band width or band-width.
bar
Avoid using. Instead, use a clearer and more meaningful placeholder with relevant text.
For more information, see Placeholders.
See also foo, foobar, fubar.
-based
In general, hyphenate compound adjectives ending with -based such as ARM-based, application-based, and HTMLHTML HTML is an acronym for Hyper Text Markup Language. It is a markup language that is used in the development of web pages and websites.-based.
Use an en dash if based follows a term with two or more words.
Example
Recommended: ARM processor–based device
For more information, see Hyphens and Dashes.
For word usage of specific terms, see The American Heritage Dictionary.
bbPress
Use lowercase for bb. Capitalize P.
Not Bbpress, Bb press, Bb Press, bb press or bbpress.
Exception: It is OK to use bbpress in lowercase in developer documentation such as commands, or WordPress URLs. For example, codex.bbpress.org/.
because
Use because to mean for the reason that.
See also since.
below
Don’t use to mean later to refer to a position in a document or article. Instead, use following.
Don’t use as an adjective to introduce a table, list, or other content as in the below section. Instead, use the following or use a cross-reference.
For more information, see Cross-references.
Don’t use to refer to a position in the UI. In general, avoid using directional language in instructions to locate UI elements or other content. Directional language proves to be difficult for accessibility or for localization. People with cognitive impairments, as well as people using assistive technologies such as screen-reading software and might have difficulty interpreting directional language. If a particular UI element or other content is difficult to convey, include a screenshot or illustration.
For more information, see Procedures and instructions.
See also following.
beta
Capitalize when part of a product name.
Examples
between
Use between when referring to two or more distinct things.
Example
Don’t interchange between with among. Use among when referring to two or more things that aren’t distinct.
See also among.
bi-
In general, don’t hyphenate words beginning with bi- such as bimodal, biweekly, and bidirectional, unless bi- is followed by a proper noun or it is absolutely necessary to avoid confusion.
For more information, see Hyphens.
For word usage of specific terms, see The American Heritage Dictionary.
billion, B
Don’t abbreviate billion as B, b, or bn. Spell out the word or denote the entire number.
For more information, see Abbreviations.
bit
Shortened term for binary digit.
Hyphenate as an adjective.
Examples
bitmap
One word. Not bit map or bit-map.
Don’t use generically to refer to any graphic. Instead, use illustration, picture, image, figure, or a contextually relevant term instead.
bps (bit/s), bits per second
Initialism for bits per second.
For more information, see Units of measurement.
For more information about spelling out abbreviations, see Abbreviations.
See also bit.
black box
Don’t use. Instead, use closed, closed box, opaque testing, or a contextually relevant term.
For more information, see Writing inclusive documentation.
blacklist, black list, black-list
Don’t use. Instead, use deny list, blocklist, disallowed, unapproved, or a contextually relevant term.
For more information, see Replacing established terms.
blank
Don’t use as a verb to mean removing the contents of any element. Instead, use clear.
See also clear.
blog
Shortened term for weblog. Always use blog.
Don’t use blog as a verb. Instead, use write, publish, or a contextually relevant term.
bold
Use only as an adjective, not as a noun or verb.
Don’t use bolded, boldface, or boldfaced.
For more information, see Text highlighting.
bookmark
One word. Not book mark or book-mark.
Boolean
Capitalize.
boot
Don’t use as a verb to mean turning on a device. Instead, use turn on.
It’s OK to use boot in developer documentation and for a technical audience.
See also turn on, turn off.
bottom left, bottom right
Don’t use.
box
In general, emphasize on the task to be accomplished, rather than how the user should interact with the UI element. Refer to a box by its label instead of field. If you have to use a descriptor, use the complete term such as list box or checkbox.
Don’t use dialog box. Instead, use dialog.
For more information, see UI elements.
brackets
See brackets.
browse
Use to refer to manually scanning internet sites or other files.
It’s OK to use browse as either a transitive verb, as in browse the web or an intransitive verb, as in browse through a document.
BuddyPress
Capitalize B and P.
Not Buddypress, Buddy press, Buddy Press, or buddypress.
Exception: It is OK to use buddypress in lowercase in developer documentation such as commands, or BuddyPress URLs. For example, codex.buddypress.org/.
bug
OK to use in developer documentation and for a technical audience. Avoid using in user documentation and for a general audience.
Instead, use problem, condition, issue, or situation.
build
It’s OK to use build in developer documentation and for a technical audience as a verb to mean compile and as a noun to mean version.
Avoid using in user documentation and for a general audience as a synonym for create, make or develop. Instead, use a contextually relevant term.
built-in
Hyphenate as an adjective.
button
In general, emphasize on the task to be accomplished, rather than how the user should interact with the UI element. Refer to a button by its label. If you have to use a descriptor, use button.
For more information, see Button and icon.
