General Convention

Description

colored bold text

introduces new terms defined either in the text, the glossary, or both.

normal italic text

indicates emphasis and the titles of other documents.

UPPERCASE TEXT

indicates the name of an SQL command or keyword.

monospace text

indicates literal interactive or programmatic input/output.

italic monospace text

indicates user-supplied information in interactive or programmatic input/output.

bold monospace text

indicates literal interactive user input

indicates the Return/Enter key; implicit on all user input that includes text

SQL Syntax Convention

Description

indentation

is an attempt to maximize readability; SQL is a free-form language.

backslash \

continuation character used to indicate text that is too long to fit on a single line.

braces { }

indicate required items.

brackets [ ]

indicate optional items.

ellipses ...

indicate an optional sequence of similar items.

vertical ellipses

indicate an optional sequence of similar items or that part of the text has been omitted for readability.

vertical line |

within braces or brackets, indicates a choice .