Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What do the different conventions in IOS command syntax documentation mean?
Boldface = type literally, italics = supply a value, [ ] = optional, { } = required, and | = "or" between choices.
| Convention | Meaning |
|---|---|
| boldface | Commands and keywords you enter literally as shown |
| italics | Arguments for which you supply values |
| [x] | Optional element (square brackets) |
| {x} | Required element (curly braces) |
| [x {y | z}] | Required choice within optional element; pipe means "or" |
Example: switchport port-security aging { static | time time | type {absolute | inactivity}}