vim - What does this symbol mean (similiar to ^@) in the context of text editing? -

vim - What does this symbol mean (similiar to ^@) in the context of text editing? -

unfortunately, can't post pictures due lack of reputation looks "^@".

for context, have script goes through list of names generate configuration file. run executable configuration , if doesn't run, script proceed next name , erase content of previous configuration. however, if executable run, script move on next name , append onto exist configuration. problem when first iteration erased, leaves behind symbol conflict subsequent iterations. thought symbol mean? much appreciated.

it doesn't "^@", is "^@". ^ denotes command character; illustration ^x control-x. null character can entered on keyboards typing control-@.

look @ table of ascii codes. control key, in many cases, modifies character subtracting 64 ascii value; control-g character (71 - 64) or 7, ascii bel character.

as special cases, ascii del character, 127, represented "^?", , nul character can entered (on keyboards) typing control-space. (vim doesn't utilize "^ " represent nul character because hard read.)

vim text text-editor