Documentation Conventions

Use of HTML Syntax vs. Script Syntax

Several Microsoft® DirectAnimation® controls are documented with both HTML syntax and script syntax.

HTML syntax is generally used with the PARAM tag for setting parameters during object instantiation as part of an OBJECT tag. In some cases, only HTML syntax can be used, and in these cases, only HTML syntax will be documented.

Script syntax is used in Microsoft® Visual Basic® Scripting Edition (VBScript), Microsoft® JScript™, or other scripting languages to set initial values or change them during script execution. You should observe case sensitivity to ensure that scripts work as written.

The presence of both types of syntax indicates that you can set the object's parameters or call initialization methods during object instantiation on the HTML page (in the OBJECT tag), or in script. In this event, it is up to you, the author, to determine which syntax best suits your needs. For instance, you could use HTML syntax (PARAM tags) to initialize your object and then use script syntax to change it thereafter.

Optional parameters are surrounded by brackets, for example, Autostart[fStop]. When setting a series of optional parameters, JScript™ requires that any parameters in the middle of the series be present, not just replaced by a space. For example, if you have three optional parameters and want to set values for only parameters 1 and 3, you still need to enter a value for parameter 2 in order for parameter 3 to be read properly.