What is another term for a placeholder character in coding?

The term "dummy placeholder" specifically refers to a character or symbol used in coding to occupy space or represent a value that is not yet defined or specified. This concept is essential in various programming scenarios, such as when creating templates or setting up data structures that require a certain format before real data is inserted. A dummy placeholder effectively signals to both the developer and the system that a certain position is reserved for future input, allowing for better organization and clarity in the code.

Other terms might exist that could reference characters or symbols in coding, but "dummy placeholder" directly conveys the idea of a non-functional stand-in used within a specific context, which is why it is a preferred term in this scenario. While terms like "filler character" might also seem relevant, they are generally used in different contexts, often related to maintaining formatting in output rather than serving as a placeholder in code.