Syntax diagrams

The following example illustrates the syntax for a hypothetical DELETE statement. Because the FROM keyword, alias variable, and WHERE clause are optional, they appear below the main command line. In contrast, the tableName variable appears on the command line because the table name is required. If the statement includes a WHERE clause, the clause must contain a search condition or a CURRENT OF clause. (The searchCondition variable appears on the main line for the WHERE clause, indicating that this choice is required.)

The following guidelines provide additional information about syntax diagrams:

• Read diagrams from left to right and from top to bottom.
• A recursive (left-pointing) arrow above a stack indicates that you may choose more than one item in the stack.
• An underlined item is a default option.
• If a diagram shows punctuation marks, parentheses, or similar symbols, you must enter them as part of the syntax.
• In general, IBM commands, keywords, clauses, and data types are displayed in uppercase letters. However, if an item can be shortened, the minimum required portion might be shown in uppercase letters, with the remainder in lowercase (for example, CANcel).
• The following conventions apply to variables in syntax diagrams:
  • Variables are typically displayed in lowercase letters and are always italicized.
  • If a variable is represented by two or more words, initial capitals distinguish the second and subsequent words (for example, databaseName).