Syntax Conventions

Introduction › Syntax Conventions

Syntax Conventions

Command syntax is shown using the following conventions:

Uppercase letters-Uppercase letters indicate that you must enter the entire word.
Sample Syntax:
```
PLOT
```
Sample Entry:
```
PLOT
```
Lowercase italics letters-Variables are presented in lowercase italics letters. Substitute specific information for each variable.
Sample Syntax:
```
PLOT variable idoption(identifier)
```
Sample Syntax:
```
PLOT TRAN USE TRANID(CINQ)
```
In JCL, italics indicate user-supplied information. For example, the following line appears in the JCL for creating reports using tape log file data.
```
INPUT(filename)
```
When filename is italicized, you do not type filename. Instead, replace it with the filename of your tape log file, as explained in the description of the JCL.
Mixed case-Mixed case indicates you can enter either the uppercase portion or the entire word.
Sample Syntax:
```
PerCenT
```
Sample Entry:
```
PCT
```
{ }-Braces enclose options that you are required to enter. Enter exactly one of the items listed vertically. Enter one or more of the items listed horizontally.
Sample Syntax:
```
SCALE({mX},{n},{COMMON})
```
Sample Entry:
```
SCALE(3X,COMMON)
```
[ ]-Brackets enclose options that you are not required to enter. You can enter one or none of the options listed vertically. You can enter more than one of the options listed horizontally, in the order indicated.
Sample Syntax:
```
[HDR1(text)] [HDR2(text)] [FOR n]
[TOP n] [BOTTOM n]
```
Sample Entry:
```
HDR2(Rate) TOP 5
```
( )-Parentheses indicate that you must enter parentheses around the item as shown.
Sample Syntax:
```
[SCALE({mX},{n},{COMMON})]
```
Sample Entry:
```
SCALE(3X)
```
|-An or-sign indicates a choice between related items. Enter only one of the items.
Sample Syntax:
```
PGMSTOR=NO|YES
```
Sample Entry:
```
PGMSTOR=NO
```
__-Underscoring indicates the default. If you want only the underscored parameters of a command, you do not have to specify the command.
Sample Syntax:
```
OPTION {(ECHO=YES) }{(ECHO=NO) }
```
Sample Entry:

You need no command to specify:
```
OPTION(ECHO=YES)
```
...-An ellipsis indicates that the preceding item can be continued.
Sample Syntax:
```
TAB variable [AND,...]
```