Conventions Used in This Book
This book uses the following conventions:
Constant WidthUsed for identifiers and symbols, including all keywords. In the language reference, constant width shows syntax elements that must be used exactly as shown. For example, the
ifkeyword, parentheses, andelsekeyword must be used exactly as follows:if (
condition)statementelsestatementA function name that is followed by parentheses refers to a function call, typically to obtain the function result. The function name without the parentheses refers to the function in more general terms. For example:
The
emptyfunction returnstrueif the container is empty, e.g.,size( ) == 0.Constant Width ItalicUsed in the language reference chapters for syntax elements that must be replaced by your code. In the previous example, you must supply the
conditionand the twostatements.Constant Width BoldUsed in examples to highlight key lines, and in complex declarations to highlight the name being declared. In some C++ declarations, especially for templates, the name gets buried in the middle of the declaration and can be hard to spot.
- Italic
Used in the language reference for nonterminal syntax elements. Italic is also used for filenames, URLs, emphasis, and for the first use of a technical term.
. ..Indicates statements and declarations that have been removed for the sake of brevity and clarity. An ellipsis is also a symbol in C++, but context and comments make it clear when an ellipsis is a language element and ...