How many spaces should be left after a full stop?

Hello there, I'm an expert in typography and document formatting. I've spent a considerable amount of time studying the evolution of writing standards and the nuances that come with them. Let's delve into the question of how many spaces should be left after a full stop.
The practice of using two spaces after a full stop has its roots in the era of typewriters. The typewriters of yesteryears did not have the ability to adjust the spacing between words as we can do with modern word processors. The monospaced fonts used in these machines meant that every character, including spaces, occupied the same amount of horizontal space. To improve readability, typists were taught to use two spaces after each period. This extra space served as a visual marker to separate sentences more distinctly.
However, with the advent of computers and the shift to proportional fonts, the need for double spacing after periods has diminished. Proportional fonts, which are used in most word processing software today, allocate more space to wider characters and less to narrower ones. This variation in spacing means that a single space after a full stop is usually sufficient to separate sentences clearly.
The debate over single versus double spacing has been ongoing for some time. Some argue that the double space is a remnant of an outdated practice and that it can make text look awkward or 'gappy'. Others maintain that it aids in readability, especially in longer texts or when reading on a screen. There's also a school of thought that views the use of double spaces as a sign of pedantry, suggesting that it's a superfluous habit that should be abandoned in favor of modern standards.
It's important to note that different styles and industries may have their own guidelines. For instance, some academic journals or certain publishers might still require double spacing after periods for their submissions. However, in most professional and digital communication contexts, a single space is the norm.
When it comes to the question of how many spaces to use after a full stop, the answer is largely dependent on the context and the specific guidelines you're following. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to check the style guide or ask for clarification. In general, for most modern documents and online writing, a single space is the preferred choice.
In conclusion, while the use of two spaces after a full stop was once a common practice, the shift to modern fonts and digital platforms has made a single space the standard for most writing. It's always best to adhere to the guidelines of the specific context in which you're writing, whether that's a professional document, an academic paper, or an online post.

Many people associate double spacing with a bygone era of clattering typewriters. Others find it makes text look gappy and distracting. And to some, defiantly typing two spaces comes across as pedantic. After all, we live in an age where modern fonts and software are designed for single spaces.