Morse code is a method used in telecommunication to encode text characters as sequences of two different signal durations, called dots and dashes, or dits and dahs. It was developed in the 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for their new invention, the telegraph, which required a simple way to transmit text messages across long distances.
Each letter of the alphabet, number (0-9), and some punctuation marks are assigned a unique combination of dots and dashes. For example, the letter ‘E’ is represented as a single dot, while ‘T’ is a single dash. Longer sequences are used for other letters and characters. The word “MORSE”, for instance, would be “– — .-. … .”.
Morse code was widely used for long distance communication until the 20th century when it was replaced by modern telecommunications technology. Despite this, it is still used in certain areas of radio communication and is also popular among amateur radio operators. Additionally, Morse code has often been used in emergencies, as it can be signaled in multiple ways – like flashing a light, sounding a horn, or tapping on a surface.