Conventions Used in This Book

Throughout this book, we've used the following typographic conventions:

Constant Width

Constant width in body text indicates a language construct, such as a VB keyword (like For or Do While), or a named element from an adjacent block of sample source code. Members of the Microsoft.VisualBasic namespace usually appear in constant-width text as well. Code fragments and code examples appear exclusively in constant-width text. In syntax statements and prototypes, text set in constant width indicates such language elements as the function or procedure name and any invariable elements required by the syntax.

Constant Width Italic

In syntax statements and code prototypes, constant width italic indicates replaceable parameters.

Italic

Italicized words in the text indicate intrinsic or user-defined namespaces, classes, functions, procedures, and other member names (except for those in the Microsoft.VisualBasic namespace). Many system elements, such as paths and filenames, are also italicized. In addition, URLs and email addresses are italicized. Finally, italics are employed the first time a term is used or defined.

Code prototypes use a simplified Backus-Naur notation, presenting all optional elements of the syntax in square brackets ([ and ]). Curly braces ({ and }) surround a set of choices from which one must be chosen. The individual choices, whether required or optional, are delimited by a vertical bar (|).

This icon indicates a note, which is an important aside to its nearby text.

This icon indicates a warning.