A byline is a line of text that appears below the headline of an article, typically indicating the name of the author or contributor. It is an important part of journalism that helps readers to identify who wrote the article, establish the author's credibility and expertise, and promote transparency and accountability. Bylines can also include additional information such as the author's job title, publication or website they work for, and the date the article was published, and can help readers to find other articles by the same author.