Reading syntax diagrams

Syntax diagrams are a way to represent command syntax and consist of symbols such as brackets ([ ]), braces ({ }), and vertical bars (|). The following is a sample of a syntax statement for the lsdev command:

lsdev { -dev DeviceName | -plc PhysicalLocationCode } [ -child ] [ -field FieldName... ] [ -fmt Delimiter ]

The following conventions are used in the command syntax statements:

Items that must be entered literally on the command line are in bold. These items include the command name, flags, and literal characters.
Items representing variables that must be replaced by a name are in italics. These items include parameters that follow flags and parameters that the command reads, such as Files and Directories.
Parameters enclosed in brackets are optional.
Parameters enclosed in braces are required.
Parameters not enclosed in either brackets or braces are required.
A vertical bar signifies that you choose only one parameter. For example, [ a | b ] indicates that you can choose a, b, or nothing. Similarly, { a | b } indicates that you must choose either a or b.
Ellipses ( ... ) signify the parameter can be repeated on the command line.
The dash ( - ) represents standard input.