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 above the main path, over the item or items that you can repeat:
Read loops from right to left.
The following conventions apply to loops:
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IF... |
THEN... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 blank space. In the example, the separator character is a comma. |
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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. |