Command Syntax and Description Format

The command syntax is explained in the following format:

Format
Shows the command input format.
Function
Explains the function of the command.
Argument
Explains the arguments and options of the command.
Usage example
Describes the usage examples of commands.
Return value
Explains the return value of the command.
Notes
Describes all the points to be considered to execute the commands.
Note
Not all the above items are described for each command. In addition to the above items, information specific to individual commands might be described.

The following table explains the symbols used in syntax explanations in this chapter.

SymbolConvention
|In syntax explanations, a vertical bar separates multiple items, and has the meaning of OR.
For example: A|B|C means A, or B, or C.
{ }In syntax explanations, curly brackets indicate that only one of the enclosed items is to be selected. If the items are arranged horizontally and separated by a vertical bar (|), select one of the items.
For example: {A|B|C} means only one of A, or B, or C.
[ ]In syntax explanations, square brackets indicate that the enclosed item or items are optional.
For example: [A] means that you can specify A or nothing.
ItalicIn syntax explanations, italic characters indicate an element that must be specified.
For example: property means that you must specify a property.
...In coding, an ellipsis (...) indicates that one or more lines of coding have been omitted.
For example: ABC ... means that the coding after ABC has been omitted.
~In syntax explanations, a swung dash (~) indicates that the items preceding the swung dash comply with the rules mentioned in < >, (( )), and << >> following the swung dash.
< >In syntax explanations, angle brackets indicate the syntax elements that must be complied with when items are coded. For details on syntax elements, see the following table.
(( ))In syntax explanations, double-parentheses indicate the range of values that you can specify for an item.
<< >>In syntax explanations, double-angle brackets indicate the default value that the system assumes when an item is omitted.

The following table lists the types and definitions of the syntax elements used in this chapter.

TypeDefinition
Alphabetic charactersA to Z, a to z
Lowercase alphabetic charactersa to z
Uppercase alphabetic charactersA to Z
Numeric characters0 to 9
Alphanumeric charactersA to Z, a to z, 0 to 9
Symbols_, ., -
Character stringAn array of strings