Oracle in a Nutshell

Conventions Used in This Book

The following typographical conventions are used in this book:

Italic

Used for filenames, directory names, URLs, the first use of technical terms, and occasional emphasis.

Constant width

Used for syntax models and code examples.

Constant width italic

In syntax models, indicates an element (e.g., a filename) you supply.

Constant width bold

Used in examples that show interaction between an Oracle utility (e.g., SQL*Plus, RMAN) and a user; commands typed by the user are shown in bold, while output from the program is shown in normal text. Bold is also used to show defaults.

UPPERCASE

In syntax models, generally indicates keywords.

Lowercase

In syntax models, generally indicates user-defined terms, such as variables and parameters.

[ ]

In syntax models, square brackets enclose optional items

{ }

In syntax models, curly braces enclose a set of items from which you must choose only one.

|

In syntax models, a vertical bar, or pipe, separates the items enclosed in curly brackets, such as {VARCHAR2 | DATE | NUMBER}.

Tip

Indicates a tip, suggestion, or general note. For example, we’ll tell you if a certain feature is version-specific.

Warning

Indicates a warning or caution. For example, we’ll tell you if a certain operation has some kind of negative impact on the system.