Syntax Notational Conventions

The following paragraphs describe the notation that this document uses to define the command syntax and format.

The set of symbols listed below is used to define the format. Do not type them when you enter the command.
—

hyphen

_

underscore

{ }

braces

[ ]

brackets

...

ellipsis

The special uses of these symbols are explained in the following paragraphs.
You can type uppercase letters, numbers, and the set of symbols listed below exactly as shown in the statement definition when you enter the command.
'

apostrophe

*

asterisk

,

comma

=

equal sign

( )

parentheses

.

period
Lowercase letters and symbols appearing in a command definition represent variables for which you can substitute specific information when you enter the command.
For example, if name appears in a command definition, you can substitute a specific value (for example, ALPHA) for the variable when you enter the command.
Hyphens join lowercase words and symbols to form a single variable.
For example, if member-name appears in the command syntax, you should substitute a specific value (for example, BETA) for the variable when you enter the command.
The default option is indicated by an underscore. If you do not specify anything, you automatically get the default option. For example,
```
LOGOFF    [ DISCONNECT]
          [ HOLD      ]
```
indicates you can select DISCONNECT or HOLD. However, if no operand is specified, the default is DISCONNECT.
Braces group related items, such as alternatives. You must choose one of the items enclosed within the braces. For example,
```
CALL     {dsname              }
         {dsname (membername) }
```
indicates if you select dsname (membername), the result is CALL dsname (membername).
Brackets also group related items. However, everything within the brackets is optional and can be omitted. For example,
```
PROTECT    data-set-name[ PWREAD    ]
                        [ NOPWREAD  ]
```
indicates you can choose one of the items enclosed within the brackets or you can omit both items within the brackets.
An ellipsis indicates the preceding item or group of items can be repeated more than once in succession. For example,
```
DELETE (entryname[/ password][…])
```
indicates an entry name and associated optional password you can repeat any number of times in succession.