What term describes the phenomenon where uppercase and lowercase letters have different meanings in certain contexts?

The term "case sensitive" accurately describes the phenomenon where uppercase and lowercase letters are interpreted as having different meanings. In programming and computing contexts, case sensitivity is crucial in distinguishing between different identifiers, such as variable names, function names, and more. For example, in a case-sensitive language, the variables "Variable," "variable," and "VARIABLE" would be considered three distinct identifiers. This characteristic is essential for maintaining accuracy in code and preventing unexpected behavior due to naming conflicts.

Additionally, this concept is commonly encountered in many programming languages, databases, and file systems, making it an essential aspect of development and data management. By understanding case sensitivity, developers can create code that functions as intended and adheres to the conventions of the programming languages they are using.