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 resource-definition statement or function name (MENU or CreateWindow), an MS-DOS command, or a command-line option (/nod). 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 SetCursorPos(X,Y) requires you to substitute values for the X and Y parameters.
[ ] Enclose optional parameters.
| Separates an either/or choice.
... Specifies that the preceding item may be repeated.
BEGIN . . . END Represents an omitted portion of a sample application.

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.