
How to read the syntax diagrams
This section describes how to read the syntax diagrams in this information.
- Read the syntax diagrams from left to right, from top to bottom,
following the path of the line. The following table shows the meaning
of symbols at the beginning and end of syntax diagram lines.
Symbol Indicates ►►───
The syntax diagram starts here ───►
The syntax diagram is continued on the next line ►───
The syntax diagram is continued from the previous line ───►◄
The syntax diagram ends here Diagrams of syntactical units other than complete statements start with the
►───
symbol and end with the───►
symbol. - Required items appear on the horizontal line (the main path).
- Optional items appear below the main path.
- When you can choose from two or more items, they appear vertically
in a stack. If you must choose one of the items, one item of the stack appears on the main path. The default, if any, appears above the main path and is chosen by the IGYCOPT macro if you do not specify another choice. In some cases, the default is affected by the system in which the program is being run.
- An arrow returning to the left above the main line indicates an
item that can be repeated.
A repeat arrow above a stack indicates that you can make more than one choice from the stacked items, or repeat a single choice.
- Keywords appear in uppercase letters (for example, PRINT). They must be spelled exactly as shown. Variables appear in an italic font (for example, item). They represent user-supplied names or values.
- If punctuation marks, parentheses, arithmetic operators, or such symbols are shown, they must be entered as part of the syntax.
- Use at least one blank or comma to separate parameters.
For a description of the meaning of the asterisk (*) in syntax diagrams, and for further information, see Compiler options syntax and descriptions.
