postgresql/doc/src/sgml/notation.sgml

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<!-- doc/src/sgml/notation.sgml -->
<sect1 id="notation">
<title>Conventions</title>
<para>
The following conventions are used in the synopsis of a command:
brackets (<literal>[</literal> and <literal>]</literal>) indicate
optional parts. Braces
(<literal>{</literal> and <literal>}</literal>) and vertical lines
(<literal>|</literal>) indicate that you must choose one
alternative. Dots (<literal>...</literal>) mean that the preceding element
can be repeated. All other symbols, including parentheses, should be
taken literally.
</para>
<para>
Where it enhances the clarity, SQL commands are preceded by the
prompt <literal>=&gt;</literal>, and shell commands are preceded by the
prompt <literal>$</literal>. Normally, prompts are not shown, though.
</para>
<para>
An <firstterm>administrator</firstterm> is generally a person who is
in charge of installing and running the server. A <firstterm>user</firstterm>
could be anyone who is using, or wants to use, any part of the
<productname>PostgreSQL</productname> system. These terms should not
be interpreted too narrowly; this book does not have fixed
presumptions about system administration procedures.
</para>
</sect1>