COMPUTER TOPICS:   Index • Apple • Microsoft • Numbers • Security • Support • Web Dev  

Phonetic Alphabets

I have heard some programmers use these to clarify spellings, variables, or the contents of a computer register or memory location.  Usage sometimes depends on whether they have had exposure to ham radio operations, military service, or another area where these spoken codes are commonly used.

NATO Phonetic Alphabet:

Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Fox-trot Golf Hotel India Juliet Kilo Lima Mike November Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whiskey X-ray Yankee Zulu.

Old U.S. Armed Forces Phonetic Alphabet (used up to 1954):

Able Baker Charlie Dog Easy Fox George How Item Jig King Love Mike Nan Oboe Peter Queen Roger Sugar Tare Uncle Victor William Xray Yoke Zebra.

RAF Phonetic Alphabet (used in 1943):

Apple Beer Charlie Dog Edward Freddy George Harry Ink Jug/Johnny King Love Mother Nuts Orange Peter Queen Roger Sugar Tommy Uncle Vic William X-ray Yoke/Yorker Zebra.

Royal Navy Phonetic Alphabet (used during World War I):

Apples Butter Charlie Duff Edward Freddy George Harry Ink Johnny King London Monkey Nuts Orange Pudding Queenie Robert Sugar Tommy Uncle Vinegar Willie Xerxes Yellow Zebra.