Conventions {#notation}
===========

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 PostgreSQL system. These terms should not be
interpreted too narrowly; this book does not have fixed presumptions
about system administration procedures.
