I have a question regarding the use of hyphens. My native language is German, and there is a set of rules regarding hyphenation. There are mandatory and optional rules for it.
Now, Consider the following 2 sentences:
This template is distributed under the MIT license. For license details, please read: LICENSE.txt.
In German the hyphen in: MIT license (MIT-Lizenz) is mandatory by rule 28 (according to "Duden" -- see link above), because MIT is an abbreviation. On the other hand, licensing details would actually be written as Lizenzbestimmungen, but you could use a hyphen (Lizenz-Bestimmungen) to clarify one part and make it more readable (rule: 23).
When exactly are hyphens mandatory in the English language?
Answer
As others have stated, there are no absolute authorities or rules on English punctuation. However, there are certain guidelines that are helpful. Rather than putting my foot in my mouth by trying to list or explain such guidelines, I point you to two useful resources.
I recommend you read there not only about hyphens, but about en-dashes and em-dashes as well, as people (even native speakers) are often confused about when to use which.
Keep in mind that the above references are only two author's opinions. They are not "cast in stone". Others here can probably point to other good resources re hyphenation.
(I specifically do NOT recommend Eats, Shoots and Leaves, because Ms. Truss does not distinguish between hyphens, en-dashes, and em-dashes; rather, she calls them all "dashes".)
Again, remember that opinions vary. See, for example other questions about hyphens on this forum. [editors please add link?]
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