Notational conventions

The following notational conventions are used in this manual:

	Syntax definitions
UPPERCASE	SQL keywords
underscored	Default values
bold	Used for emphasis in running text
italics	Variables in syntax definitions and running text
Fixed-space font	Program text in syntax definitions and examples

::=	Definition character The specification to the right of ::= defines the syntax of the element on the left.
|	In unqualified syntax definitions this character separates the alternative specifications.
[ ]	May be omitted The brackets are metacharacters and must not be entered in an SQL statement.
{ | }	Alternative specifications in syntax definitions (on a single line). The braces are metacharacters and must not be entered in an SQL statement.
{ | | }	Alternative specifications in syntax definitions (over several lines). Each line contains one alternative. The braces are metacharacters and must not be entered in an SQL statement.
,...	In syntax definitions, a comma followed by three dots means that you can repeat the preceding specification any number of times, separating each specification with a comma. If you do not repeat a specification, you must omit the comma.
...	In syntax definitions, an ellipsis means that you can repeat the preceding specification any number of times. In examples, the ellipsis means that the rest of the statement is of no significance to the example. The ellipsis is a metacharacter and must not be entered in an SQL statement.

Indicates notes that are of particular importance.

Indicates warnings.

The strings <date>, <time> and <ver> in examples indicate the current displays for date, time and version when the examples are otherwise independent of date, time and version.