Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “What does the asterisk (*) before a directive do?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)The asterisk `*` before a directive in Angular denotes a **structural directive** and is syntactic sugar for creating an `<ng-template>` around the element. **Key point:** `*` simplifies the syntax of structural directives and automatically creates an `<ng-template>` to control the DOM.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)ImageThe asterisk `*` before a directive in Angular denotes a **structural directive** and is syntactic sugar for creating an `<ng-template>` around the element. How it works: 1. Angular interprets `*directive` as an `<ng-template>` wrapper and inserts the element inside it. 2. This lets the directive control **the DOM structure**: adding, removing or repeating elements. Example: ```html <p *ngIf="isVisible">The text is shown only if isVisible = true</p> ``` Equivalent without the asterisk: ```html <ng-template [ngIf]="isVisible"> <p>The text is shown only if isVisible = true</p> </ng-template> ``` > Conclusion: `*` simplifies the syntax of structural directives and automatically creates an `<ng-template>` to control the DOM.For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.