Used for text that must be typed exactly as shown.

Used for parameters that you supply.

| (vertical bar)

Used to separate two or more items in a list and to indicate that you can choose only one of the items in the list.

[ ] (brackets)

When shown in regular typeface, brackets indicate that the item or items within the brackets are optional. Do not type the brackets.

When brackets are shown in bold, it indicates that they are part of the syntax and must be typed exactly as they appear.

Used to name a block of syntax and to group and label portions of lengthy syntax or a unit of syntax that can be used in more than one place within a statement. Each place in which the syntax can be used is indicated with the label enclosed in angle brackets (for example, <label>).

Indicates that the item contained within the parentheses can be repeated any number of times.

Indicates that the previous item can be repeated any number of times and the items are separated by commas.