Syntax Conventions
Books about computer languages require a way to express the kinds of information you need to provide on one or more lines as you type. That is called the syntax of the language and Backus-Naur Form (BNF) is the format used in this book and most others. In BNF notation, the following conventions apply:
|
Example |
Meaning |
|---|---|
|
Keyword |
Roman (non-italic) words are keywords that must be typed exactly as shown. |
|
Argument |
Italics indicate an item you must provide, such as an object variable a setting. |
|
[ ] |
Square brackets indicate an optional item. |
|
choice1 | choice2 |
A straight bar indicates a choice between two or more items. |
|
{choice1 | choice2} |
Braces indicate that you must choose one of the indicated settings. |
|
[choice1 | choice2] |
Square brackets indicate that the choice is optional. |
These conventions are used in headings within the reference sections of this book and also within the text sometimes. You’ll also see them in the online help from Microsoft.
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