Conventions

This section describes the conventions used in the documentation.

Command conventions

Convention

Description

Boldface

Bold text represents commands and keywords that you enter literally as shown.

Italic

Italic text represents arguments that you replace with actual values.

[ ]

Square brackets enclose syntax choices (keywords or arguments) that are optional.

{ x | y | ... }

Braces enclose a set of required syntax choices separated by vertical bars, from which you select one.

[ x | y | ... ]

Square brackets enclose a set of optional syntax choices separated by vertical bars, from which you select one or none.

{ x | y | ... } *

Asterisk marked braces enclose a set of required syntax choices separated by vertical bars, from which you select at least one.

[ x | y | ... ] *

Asterisk marked square brackets enclose optional syntax choices separated by vertical bars, from which you select one choice, multiple choices, or none.

&<1-n>

The argument or keyword and argument combination before the ampersand (&) sign can be entered 1 to n times.

#

A line that starts with a pound (#) sign is comments.

GUI conventions

Convention

Description

Boldface

Window names, button names, field names, and menu items are in Boldface. For example, the New User window opens; click OK.

>

Multi-level menus are separated by angle brackets. For example, File > Create > Folder.

Symbols

Convention

Description


[WARNING: ]

WARNING:


An alert that calls attention to important information that if not understood or followed can result in personal injury.


[CAUTION: ]

CAUTION:


An alert that calls attention to important information that if not understood or followed can result in data loss, data corruption, or damage to hardware or software.


[IMPORTANT: ]

IMPORTANT:


An alert that calls attention to essential information.

NOTE:

An alert that contains additional or supplementary information.


[TIP: ]

TIP:


An alert that provides helpful information.