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