Command Syntax

A word or character that you enter literally.

A word or phrase that you replace with an appropriate value.

One or more grouped command options, such as -ikx. The chars are usually a string of literal characters that each represent a specific option. For example, the entry -ikx is equivalent to the individual options -i, -k, and -x. The plus character (+) is sometimes used as an option prefix.

A single command option, such as -help. The word is a literal keyword. The difference from - chars is usually obvious and is clarified in an Options description. The plus character (+) and the double hyphen (--) are sometimes used as option prefixes.

The bracket metacharacters enclose optional content in formats and command descriptions.

The brace metacharacters enclose required content in formats and command descriptions.

The bar metacharacter separates alternatives in a list of choices, usually in brackets or braces.

The ellipsis metacharacter after a token (abc...) or a right bracket ([   ]...) or a right brace ({   }...) metacharacter indicates that the preceding element and its preceding whitespace, if any, may be repeated an arbitrary number of times.

Ellipsis is sometimes used to indicate omitted items in a range.