Python Pocket Reference, Second Edition

Conventions

[]

Something in brackets is usually optional.

*

Something followed by an asterisk can be repeated zero or more times.

a | b

Items separated by a bar are often alternatives.

italic

Used for filenames and URLs and to highlight new terms.

constant width

Used for code, commands, and command-line options, and to indicate the names of modules, functions, attributes, etc.

constant width italic

Used for replaceable parameter names in command syntax.