Conventions Used in This Book

This book uses several conventions to help you prioritize and reference the information it contains.

Various typefaces are used to make code and input easily distinguishable from regular text:

• Program code appears in a special monospace font .

• Placeholderswords or characters used temporarily to represent the real words or characters you type in codeare typeset in italic monospace .

• Material that you are instructed to type appears in bold monospace .

In addition, the following special elements provide information beyond the basic instructions:

HEADLINE SIDEBARS

Sidebars contain special tips, warnings, and extra facts that are related to the text where they are found. They provide a way for the author to communicate with you while preserving the natural flow of information for the concepts you are learning in the normal text. They often emphasize important topics, so you might find them very helpful.

SHOP TALK: SHOP TALK

In most of the chapters, the author uses Shop Talks to share her personal experiences as they relate to the chapter. These elements often contain opinions or preferences; the rest of the book is confined strictly to the facts. The author's opinions or preferences might not always apply to your situation, so keep that in mind when you read a Shop Talk.