Conventions Used in This Book
The following conventions are used in this book:
-
-
Italic
-
Used for filenames, directory
names
, URLs, and
occasional
emphasis.
-
-
Constant width
-
Used for code examples, and used in text for table names, view names, and other
user
-defined names of database objects.
-
-
Constant width bold
-
Used in examples that show interaction between SQL*Plus and a user. Commands typed by the user are shown in bold, but output from SQL*Plus is shown in normal text.
-
-
Constant width italic
-
In some code examples, and in many syntax diagrams, indicates an element (e.g., a filename) you supply.
-
-
UPPERCASE
-
Generally
indicates SQL and SQL*Plus keywords.
-
-
lowercase
-
In code examples, generally indicates user-defined items such as
variables
, parameters, etc.
-
-
”
-
In code examples, a double hyphen begins a single-line comment, which extends to the end of a line.
-
-
/* and */
-
In code examples, these
characters
delimit
a multiline comment, which can extend from one line to another.
-
-
.
-
In code examples and
related
discussions, a dot qualifies a reference by separating an object name from a component
name
. In this book, dot notation is most often used in fully qualified column names, which you will see written as
table_name
.
column_name
. The dot separates the table name from the column name.
-
-
[ ]
-
In syntax descriptions, square brackets enclose optional items.
-
-
{ }
-
In syntax descriptions, curly brackets enclose a set of items from which you must choose only one.
-
-
-
In syntax descriptions, a vertical bar separates the items
enclosed
in square or curly brackets, as in {VARCHAR2 DATE NUMBER}.
-
-
::=
-
In syntax descriptions, indicates an expansion of a syntax element.
|
Indicates a tip, suggestion, or general note. For example, I'll tell you if you need to use a particular SQL*Plus version, or if an operation requires certain privileges.
|
|
|
Indicates a warning or caution. For example, I'll tell you if SQL*Plus does not behave as you'd expect, or if a particular operation has a negative impact on performance.
|
|
|
