area code : Java Glossary

Toll free area codes include 800 866 877 880 881 882 888. Premium toll service is 900 (porn lines). 555 is reserved for directory service and dummy phone numbers used in movies.

Originally area codes were always displays in parentheses like this: (555) 555-1212.
Now they are often written with a separating dash like this: 555-555-1212.
Or without any punctuation at all in HTML forms like this: 5555551212.

You can dial directory assistance for any area code at (xxx) 555-1212.

Originally you had to dial the area code only for long distance calls, but now, in many areas, you must use it for local calls as well.

In the USA, NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) manages the numbering. Sometimes the name is shortened to NANP.

In Canada, CNA (Canadian Numbering Administrator) manages it.

The Abundance computer language had an area code built-in data type with support for the USA, Canada, Sweden, and India. There is nothing corresponding in Java or other languages that I know of.