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Case sensitive refers to a situation where a sequence of letters has different meanings based on whether the letters are uppercase or lowercase. Under the rules of case sensitivity, RainBow and rainbow are considered two different words.
Computer Passwords
Computer passwords are often made case sensitive. This adds an extra measure of security by requiring people to enter the correct case, in addition to the correct sequence of letters.
Programming
Programming languages, like SQL, also use case sensitivity where commands in all caps have different meanings than lowercase.
Email and the Web
Some companies, or web providers, may use case-sensitive email addresses--JohnSmith@domain.com versus johnsmith@domain.com. Most email addresses are not case sensitive because case sensitivity leaves a lot of room for error.
Log-in Problems
Many people have problems logging in to systems with case-sensitive passwords. Leaving the caps lock on is the most common mistake.
Letters Versus. Numbers and Symbols
Case sensitive only works with letters. Numbers and symbols have no case.
Non-Computer Use of Case Sensitivity
Case sensitivity also works in written English where identically spelled words have different meanings depending on case. The word Polish means "from Poland" whereas polish refers to making something shiny.
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