A loop is an entry or a group of entries that you can repeat one or more times. Syntax diagrams show loops as a return path on top of the main path, over the item or items that you can repeat:
Read loops from right to left.
The following conventions apply to loops:
| If... | Then... |
|---|---|
| there is a maximum number of entries allowed | the number appears in a circle on the return path. In the example, you may type cname a maximum of 4 times. |
| there is a minimum number of entries required | the number appears in a square on the return path. In the example, you must type at least three groups of column names. |
| a separator character is required between entries | the character appears on the return path. If the diagram does not show a separator character, use one space character. In the example, the separator character is a comma. |
| a delimiter character is required around entries | the beginning and end characters appear outside the return path. Generally, a space is not needed between delimiter characters and entries. In the example, the delimiter characters are the left and right parentheses. |