Command-line syntax key

This article describes the notation that command-line syntax blocks use, such as the brackets, braces, and vertical bars that indicate how to enter a command. It isn't a catalog of commands or command options. To find a command and the options it supports, see Windows Commands. In the A-Z menu, select the letter that the command starts with, and then select the command name to view its options.

The following table describes each notation element.

Notation	Description
Text without brackets or braces	Items you must type as shown.
<Text inside angle brackets>	Placeholder for which you must supply a value.
[Text inside square brackets]	Optional items.
{Text inside braces}	Set of required items. You must choose one.
Vertical bar (|)	Separator for mutually exclusive items. You must choose one.
Ellipsis (…)	Items that can be repeated and used multiple times.