This documentation uses the following typographical and syntax conventions:
| Convention | Description |
|---|---|
| Bold | Bold typeface indicates commands or characters the user types, provides emphasis, or the names of user interface elements. |
| Italic | Italic typeface indicates the title of a document, or signifies new terms. |
| SMALL, BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS | Small, bold capital letters indicate OpenEdge key functions and generic keyboard keys; for example, GET and CTRL. |
| KEY1+KEY2 | A plus sign between key names indicates a simultaneous key sequence: you press and hold down the first key while pressing the second key. For example, CTRL+X. |
| KEY1 KEY2 | A space between key names indicates a sequential key sequence: you press and release the first key, then press another key. For example, ESCAPE H. |
| Syntax: | |
| Fixed width | A fixed-width font is used in syntax, code examples, system output, and file names. |
| Fixed-width italics | Fixed-width italics indicate variables in syntax. |
| Fixed-width bold | Fixed-width bold italic indicates variables in syntax with special emphasis. |
| UPPERCASE fixed width | ABL keywords in syntax and code examples are almost always shown in upper case. Although shown in uppercase, you can type ABL keywords in either uppercase or lowercase in a procedure or class. |
| Period (.) or colon (:) | All statements except DO, FOR, FUNCTION, PROCEDURE, and REPEAT end with a period. DO, FOR, FUNCTION, PROCEDURE, and REPEAT statements can end with either a period or a colon. |
| [ ] | Large brackets indicate the items within them are optional. |
| [ ] | Small brackets are part of ABL. |
| { } | Large braces indicate the items within them are required. They are used to simplify complex syntax diagrams. |
| { } | Small braces are part of ABL. For example, a called external procedure must use braces when referencing arguments passed by a calling procedure. |
| | | A vertical bar indicates a choice. |
| ... | Ellipses indicate repetition: you can choose one or more of the preceding items. |