The inclusion of a dash within the local part of a digital correspondence address is permitted under established naming conventions. For example, “john-smith@example.com” represents a valid address according to Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) specifications, specifically RFC 5322, which outlines acceptable characters for email address syntax.
The utilization of this character allows for enhanced clarity and readability, especially when delineating between names, departments, or other descriptive elements within the user portion of the address. Its implementation offers a structured approach to address creation, facilitating ease of recognition and minimizing potential ambiguities. Furthermore, its presence is rooted in the early evolution of email protocols, accommodating diverse naming practices as digital communication expanded.
