HP-UX Reference (11i v2 07/12) - 1 User Commands A-M (vol 1)

7
Command Syntax
Literal A word or character that you enter literally.
Replaceable A word or phrase that you replace with an appropriate
value.
- chars One or more grouped command options, such as -ikx.
The chars are usually a string of literal characters
that each represent a specific option. For example, the
entry -ikx is equivalent to the individual options -i,
-k, and -x. The plus character (+) is sometimes used as
an option prefix.
- word A single command option, such as -help. The word is a
literal keyword. The difference from - chars is usually
obvious and is clarified in an Options description. The
plus character (+) and the double hyphen (--) are
sometimes used as option prefixes.
[ ] The bracket metacharacters enclose optional content in
formats and command descriptions.
{ } The brace metacharacters enclose required content in
formats and command descriptions.
| The bar metacharacter separates alternatives in a list
of choices, usually in brackets or braces.
... The ellipsis metacharacter after a token ( abc ...) or a
right bracket ([ ]...) or a right brace ({ }...)
metacharacter indicates that the preceding element
and its preceding whitespace, if any, may be repeated
an arbitrary number of times.
... Ellipsis is sometimes used to indicate omitted items in
a range.