2.1 Syntax Notation

In the descriptions of assembly language syntax in this chapter:

• Brackets ([ ]) enclose optional items.

• Asterisks (*) indicate items to be repeated zero or more times.

• Braces ({ }) enclose alternate item choices, which are separated from each other by vertical bars (|).

• Wherever blanks are allowed, arbitrary numbers of blanks and horizontal tabs may be used. Newline characters are not allowed in place of blanks.