The following conventions are used in SQL Server Books Online to distinguish elements of text.
| Convention | Used for |
|---|---|
| UPPERCASE | Transact-SQL keywords and SQL elements. |
| Initial Capitals | Paths and file names. |
| Bold | Database names, table names, column names, stored procedures, command-prompt utilities, menus, commands, dialog box options, programming elements, and text that must be typed exactly as shown. |
| Italic | User-supplied variables, relationships, and phrasings. |
Monospace |
Code samples, examples, display text, and error messages. |
| English text only | References to the data contained in the pubs, Northwind, and Foodmart databases, or other data used in examples. |
DB-Library for C Syntax Conventions