Document Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this manual to define syntax.

Convention Meaning

Bold text Denotes a term or character to be typed literally, such as a service name (Get_Cur_VM_Handle) or a statement keyword (.vmm). You must type these terms exactly as shown.
Italic text Denotes a placeholder or variable: You must provide the actual value. For example, the statement .vm vmid requires you to substitute a value for the vmid parameter.
[ ] Enclose optional parameters.
| Separates an either/or choice.
... Specifies that the preceding item may be repeated.
BEGIN . . . END Represents an omitted portion of a code example.

In addition, certain text conventions are used to help you understand this material.

Convention Meaning

SMALL CAPITALS Indicate the names of keys, key sequences, and key combinations—for example, ALT+SPACEBAR.
FULL CAPITALS Indicate filenames and paths, most type and structure names (which are also bold), and constants.
monospace Sets off code examples and shows syntax spacing.