1. Introducing the SQL Reference Guide : Syntax Conventions Used in This Guide
 
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Syntax Conventions Used in This Guide
This guide uses the following conventions to describe command and statement syntax:
Convention
Usage
Monospace
Indicates keywords, symbols, or punctuation that you must enter as shown.
Italics
Represent a variable name for which you must supply a value. This convention is used in explanatory test, as well as syntax.
[ ] brackets
Indicate an optional item.
{ } braces
Indicate an optional item that you can repeat as many times as appropriate.
| (vertical bar)
Indicates a list of mutually exclusive items (that is, you can select only one item from the list).