Notation Conventions
107365 Tandem Computers Incorporated
xv
General Syntax
Notation
The following list summarizes the notation conventions for syntax presentation in this
manual.
UPPERCASE LETTERS
Uppercase letters indicate keywords and reserved words; enter these items exactly as
shown. Items not enclosed in brackets are required. For example:
STATUS
lowercase italic letters
Lowercase italic letters indicate variable items that you supply. Items not enclosed in
brackets are required. For example:
file-name
Brackets [ ]
Brackets enclose optional syntax items. For example:
TERM [\
node-name.]$terminal-name
A group of items enclosed in brackets is a list from which you can choose one item or
none. The items in the list may be arranged either vertically, with aligned brackets on
each side of the list, or horizontally, enclosed in a pair of brackets and separated by
vertical lines. For example:
LIGHTS [ ON ]
[ OFF ]
[ SMOOTH [
num ] ]
Note also that TACL uses brackets in commands and functions.
Braces { }
A group of items enclosed in braces is a list from which you are required to choose one
item. The items in the list may be arranged either vertically, with aligned braces on
each side of the list, or horizontally, enclosed in a pair of braces and separated by
vertical lines. For example:
#BUILTINS [ / { FUNCTIONS | VARIABLES } / ]
Note also that TACL uses braces in comments.
Vertical Line |
A vertical line separates alternatives in a horizontal list that is enclosed in brackets or
braces. For example:
INSPECT { OFF | ON | SAVEABEND }
Note also that TACL uses vertical lines to surround labels in enclosures.
