DECdocument
Tags Quick Reference


Previous Contents Index

<ONLINE_TITLE> (text)

Specifies text that overides the default section title in the topic label above the text in the text window.
MANUAL.ONLINE, MILSPEC.ONLINE, and SOFTWARE.ONLINE

<OPAREN>

Supplies an opening parenthesis anywhere in your file. You must use this tag, however, to specify an opening parenthesis within an argument to a tag, so that the opening parenthesis is not interpreted as the opening parenthesis of the tag's argument.
GLOBAL

<ORDER_NUMBER> (number)

Labels the order number or part number that appears on the title page of a book.
GLOBAL

<OUTLINE> [(title line-1 [ \title line-2] [ \title line-3])]
text
<ENDOUTLINE>

Begins an outline and specifies a title for the outline.
REPORT

<OVERVIEW>
text
<ENDOVERVIEW>

Provides a summary description of a reference element.
SOFTWARE (Reference template)

<P>

Marks the beginning of a new paragraph.
GLOBAL

<PAGE> [(

)]

Breaks a page of text, forcing the text that follows the tag to begin on a new page.
GLOBAL

<PARAMDEF>

Begins the text that defines an item in a parameter definition list.
SOFTWARE

<PARAMDEFLIST> [(

)]
text
<ENDPARAMDEFLIST> required unless you specify the NONE keyword argument

Begins a definition list of parameters or arguments.
SOFTWARE

<PARAMITEM> (item-1 [ \item-2 . . . [ \item-7]])
text
<PARAMDEF>

Labels one to seven items to be defined in a parameter definition list.
SOFTWARE

<PARENDCHAR> (char)

Supplies parentheses around a character you specify, resulting in better spacing of the character between the parentheses.
GLOBAL

<PART> [(part title [ \symbol name])]

Labels the start of a major division within a document and starts it on a new page.
GLOBAL

<PART_PAGE>
text
<ENDPART_PAGE>

Inserts a divider page for a new part of a document.
GLOBAL

<PREFACE> [(page number [ \symbol name])]
text
<ENDPREFACE>

Labels the beginning of a preface.
GLOBAL

<PREFACE_SECTION> (title [ \symbol name])

Creates a major section in the preface of a book to provide information, such as a summary of changes to the book.
GLOBAL

<PRINT_DATE> (date)

Inserts a print date line on the copyright page.
GLOBAL

<PROFILE>
text
<ENDPROFILE>

Indicates that the source file is a profile that generates a bookbuild.
GLOBAL

<PROMPT> (prompt text \related parameter [ \prompt width])

Identifies a prompt that appears on a separate line from other prompts, and any parameters associated with that prompt.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<PROMPTS> [(alternate heading [ \NONE])]
text
<ENDPROMPTS>

Begins a summary of interactive prompts.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<QPAIR> (qualifier name \default qualifier name)

Labels a qualifier pair in a qualifier format list.
SOFTWARE

<QUALDEF>

Begins the text that defines an item in a qualifier definition list.
SOFTWARE

<QUALDEFLIST> [(

)]
text
<ENDQUALDEFLIST> required unless you specify the NONE keyword argument

Begins a definition list describing command qualifiers.
SOFTWARE

<QUALITEM> (item-1 [ \item-2 . . . [ \item-7]])
text
<QUALDEF>

Labels one to seven items to be defined in a qualifier definition list.
SOFTWARE

<QUAL_LIST> [(

\WIDE)]
text
<ENDQUAL_LIST>

Begins a qualifier summary list.
SOFTWARE

<QUAL_LIST_DEFAULT_HEADS> (heading-1 \heading-2)

Modifies or suppresses default headings created by the <QUAL_LIST> tag.
SOFTWARE

<QUAL_LIST_HEADS> (heading-1 \heading-2)

Labels the headings you want to use for one or both of the columns in a qualifier format list, when you use <QUAL_LIST>(SPECIAL) in unusual cases for formatting control.
SOFTWARE

<QUOTATION>
quoted text
<ENDQUOTATION>

Begins a quotation in which the spacing is retained and the text is not filled or justified.
ARTICLE

<QUOTE> (quoted text)
or
<QUOTE>
quoted text
<ENDQUOTE>

Encloses text in quotation marks. The quotation marks appear as if they are typeset.
GLOBAL

<REFERENCE> (symbol name [

])

Makes a reference to a symbol name in a book element or text element. When processed, the <REFERENCE> tag is replaced with the current value of the symbol name that is stored in the cross-reference file.
GLOBAL

<REF_NOTE> (text of note [ \symbol name])

Specifies the text of a reference note and creates a bracketed reference number in the article text.
ARTICLE

<REF_NOTES> [(heading text)]

Causes all accumulated reference notes to be output.
ARTICLE

<RELATED_ITEM>

Provides a text description of a tag or set of tags related to the tag being described.
SOFTWARE (Tag template)

<RELATED_TAG> (tag name)

Specifies a single tag that is related to the current tag.
SOFTWARE (Tag template)

<RELATED_TAGS> [(NONE)]
text
<ENDRELATED_TAGS>

Provides a summary of tags whose use is related to the tag being described.
SOFTWARE (Tag template)

<RESTRICTIONS> [(

)]
text
<ENDRESTRICTIONS>

Provides the restrictions on the use of a reference element.
SOFTWARE (Command and Tag templates)

<RETTEXT>
text
<ENDRETTEXT>

Provides general information about the attributes of the value returned by the routine.
SOFTWARE (Routine template)

<RETURNS> (usage info \data type \access \mechanism [ \optional info])
or
<RETURNS> (HEADONLY)

Provides information about the value returned by a routine.
SOFTWARE (Routine template)

<RETURN_VALUE> [(alternate heading)]
text
<ENDRETURN_VALUE>

Labels a character string return value.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<REVISION> [(UPDATE [ \update info])]

Indicates that the document contains either new or modified information.
GLOBAL

<REVISION_INFO> ([title text] \info)

Labels a section on a title page that provides information on what previous books have been superseded by the current one.
GLOBAL

<RIGHT_LINE> (text [

])

Specifies a line of text that is to be aligned against the right-hand margin of the page.
GLOBAL

<RITEM>

Labels an item in a list of restrictions.
SOFTWARE (Command and Tag templates)

<ROUTINE> (routine name[ \info-1[ \info-2] [ \symbol name]])

Begins a new routine description.
SOFTWARE (Routine template)

<ROUTINE_SECTION> [(([running title] [ \number prefix] [ \NEWPAGE])]
text
<ENDROUTINE_SECTION>

Begins a routine reference section, enables tags reserved for use in routine sections, and sets paging attributes.
SOFTWARE (Routine template)

<RSDEFLIST> [(

)]
text
<ENDRSDEFLIST>

Begins a return status definition list in the Routine template.
SOFTWARE (Routine template)

<RSITEM> (code \code description)

Specifies the return status value of a routine and lists its meaning.
SOFTWARE (Routine template)

<RULE>

Outputs a horizontal rule in a table.
GLOBAL

<RUNNING_FEET> (footer text)

Creates a footer at the bottom of each page or slide.
ARTICLE, MILSPEC, OVERHEADS, REPORT, and SOFTWARE.SPECIFICATION

<RUNNING_TITLE> (

)

Creates a 1- or 2-line running title at the top of each page or slide.
ARTICLE, OVERHEADS, REPORT, and SOFTWARE.SPECIFICATION

<RUNNING_TITLE> (title-1 [ \title-2 . . . [ \title-4]])

Creates a 1- to 4-line running title at the top of each page.
MILSPEC.DRAFT and MILSPEC.SECURITY

<S> (text)

Labels the system portion of a dialog between user and system in an interactive example.
GLOBAL

<SALUTATION> (text)

Specifies the salutation for the letter.
LETTER

<SAMPLE_TEXT>
text
<ENDSAMPLE_TEXT>

Typographically distinguishes an extract of text.
GLOBAL

<SDML_TAG> (tag name [ \symbol name])

Begins a new tag description.
SOFTWARE (Tag template)

<SECTION> (heading text [ \symbol name])

Begins a new page and creates a major heading at the left margin of that page.
REPORT

<SECURITY> (classification keyword)
text
<ENDSECURITY>

Assigns a security classification level to a text element.
MILSPEC

<SET_APPENDIX_LETTER> (appendix letter)

Overrides the default appendix letter assigned to an appendix by DECdocument.
GLOBAL

<SET_APPENDIX_NUMBER> (Roman numeral integer)

Overrides the default appendix Roman numeral assigned to an appendix by DECdocument.
MILSPEC

<SET_CHAPTER_NUMBER> (chapter number)

Overrides the default chapter number assigned to a chapter by DECdocument.
GLOBAL

<SET_CONDITION> (condition name [ \REMOVE])

Creates or removes a condition in your SDML file.
GLOBAL

<SET_CONTENTS_SECURITY> (classification keyword)

Specifies a security classification to be applied to all pages in the table of contents and index, overriding the default security classification.
MILSPEC

<SET_FIGURE_FILE_SPACING_DEFAULT> ([space before] \ [space after])

Overrides the default for vertical blank space that appears before and after an included graphics file.
GLOBAL

<SET_HELP_LEVEL> (number)

Allows you to alter the default Help levels in your Help files.
HELP

<SET_ONLINE_TOPIC> (

)

Specifies the level of topics in your Bookreader document and whether table of contents entries are issued for ranges of messages or glossary items.
MANUAL.ONLINE, MILSPEC.ONLINE, and SOFTWARE.ONLINE

<SET_PAGE_SECURITY> (classification keyword)

Specifies that a security classification be applied to a page to override the default security classification.
MILSPEC.DRAFT and MILSPEC.SECURITY

<SET_SECURITY_CLASS> (classification keyword \id text \classification text \priority)

Establishes a new security classification or overrides the default text associated with an existing classification.
MILSPEC.DRAFT and MILSPEC.SECURITY

<SET_TABLE_ROW_BREAK_DEFAULT> (number of rows)

Overrides the default value for a multipage table's first valid break.
GLOBAL

<SET_TEMPLATE_ARGITEM> (tag name \text one \text two \text three [ \text four] [ \text five] \longest text)

Sets up a user-defined argument list for documenting callable routines for multiple operating system platforms. Also allows translation of the argument list.
SOFTWARE

<SET_TEMPLATE_COMMAND> (tag name


[ \symbol name])

Defines a new tag with the same function as the <COMMAND> tag, and changes the format of command descriptions produced using the new tag.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<SET_TEMPLATE_HEADING> (element keyword \default heading)

Overrides the heading for all subsequent uses of a template tag.
SOFTWARE

<SET_TEMPLATE_LIST> (list tag name \default list heading \list item tag name \list type [ \heading level])

Creates a user-defined set of tags for listing information.
SOFTWARE

<SET_TEMPLATE_PARA> (tag name \default heading [ \heading level])

Defines a set of template tags for setting the format of a paragraph of information.
SOFTWARE (Reference template)

<SET_TEMPLATE_ROUTINE> (tag name


[ \symbol name])

Defines a new reference element tag name to use in the routine template, and specifies the formatting attributes for the new tag.
SOFTWARE (Routine template)

<SET_TEMPLATE_STATEMENT> (tag name


[ \symbol name])

Defines a new reference element tag name to use in the statement template, and specifies the formatting attributes for the new tag.
SOFTWARE (Statement template)

<SET_TEMPLATE_SUBCOMMAND> (tag name [ \NONEWPAGE])

Changes the name of the <SUBCOMMAND> tag to the name you specify, and specifies formatting attributes for the new tag.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<SET_TEMPLATE_TABLE> (table tag name \default table heading \table row tag name \column count \column widths [ \table column headings])

Defines a set of template tags for setting information in 2- or 3-column lists.
SOFTWARE

<SET_TEMPLATE_TAG> (tag name

[ \symbol name])

Defines a new reference element tag name to use in the tag template, and specifies formatting attributes for the newly-defined tag.
SOFTWARE (Tag template)

<SHELF_CREATE> (symbol name \file spec)
text
<ENDSHELF_CREATE>

Outputs a SHELF entry for the current Bookreader bookshelf file and creates a separate bookshelf file.
ONLINE_BOOKSHELF

<SHELF_REF> (symbol name \file spec)

Outputs a SHELF entry for a Bookreader bookshelf file that points to an existing bookshelf file.
ONLINE_BOOKSHELF

<SHOW_LEVELS> (

)

Emphasizes text in an outline.
REPORT

<SIGNATURES> [(NEWPAGE)]

Begins a list of signatures that appear in the front matter of a document.
REPORT

<SIGNATURE_LINE> ([name-1] [ \name-2])

Creates up to two rules on a line and places a name below each rule; each rule is used as a signatory line for the person listed below it.
MILSPEC

<SIGNATURE_LIST> (column heading-1 \column heading-2)
text
<ENDSIGNATURE_LIST>

Begins a 2-column listing of signature lines on the title page of a document and supplies a heading for each column.
MILSPEC

<SINGLE_QUOTE>

Supplies a single quotation mark as it appears on a keyboard.
GLOBAL

<SLIDE> [(footer text)]

Begins a new overhead slide.
OVERHEADS

<SOURCE_NOTE> (source text)

Provides information pertaining to the original source of information for an article.
ARTICLE

<SPAN> (number of columns [ \LEFT])

Specifies that the accompanying argument in a table row or a table head span more than one table column.
GLOBAL

<SPECIAL_CHAR> (keyword)

Provides access to special characters that are not available on the terminal keyboard.
GLOBAL

<SPECIFICATION_INFO> (specification number \code id number \specification date [ \additional info])

Creates a listing of information about the specification on the title page and creates a 2-line running heading for the rest of the document.
MILSPEC

<SPEC_TITLE> (title text-1 [ \title text-2 . . . [ \title text-7]])

Creates a title with up to seven centered lines on the title page.
MILSPEC

<STATEMENT> (statement name [ \symbol name])

Begins a new statement description.
SOFTWARE (Statement template)

<STATEMENT_FORMAT> [([alternate heading] [ \MULTIPLE])]
text
<ENDSTATEMENT_FORMAT>

Begins a section that illustrates the syntax of a statement or function, including keywords and parameters.
SOFTWARE (Statement template)

<STATEMENT_LINE> [(text [ \INDENT])]

Indicates the position of a valid statement line in the context of a statement format or a construct list.
SOFTWARE (Statement template)

<STATEMENT_SECTION> [([running title] [ \number prefix] [ \NEWPAGE])]
text
<ENDSTATEMENT_SECTION>

Begins a statement reference section, enables tags reserved for use in statement sections, and sets paging attributes.
SOFTWARE (Statement template)

<SUBCOMMAND> (subcommand name [ \symbol name])

Begins a new subcommand description.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<SUBCOMMAND_SECTION> [(running title [ \NEWPAGE])]
text
<ENDSUBCOMMAND_SECTION>

Begins a subcommand reference section for subordinate commands in the command section.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<SUBCOMMAND_SECTION_HEAD> (heading)

Specifies the heading for text that precedes a subcommand section.
SOFTWARE (Command template)

<SUBHEADn> (heading text [ \symbol name])

Marks an unnumbered subsidiary heading.
GLOBAL

<SUBJECT> (subject text)

Places the subject of a memo or letter at the left margin with the heading "Subject:"
LETTER

<SUBTITLE> (title line-1 [ \title line-2 . . . [ \ title line-7]])

ARTICLE: creates a subtitle of up to three lines centered on the title page.
MILSPEC: creates a subtitle of up to seven lines centered on the title page.
OVERHEADS: creates a subtitle of up to four lines centered on a slide.

<SYNTAX> [(

)]
text
<ENDSYNTAX>

Allows you to use special characters to describe programming language syntaxes.
SOFTWARE

<SYNTAX_DEFAULT_HEAD> (

)

Creates a default heading for the <SYNTAX> tag.
SOFTWARE

<TABLE> [(table caption [ \symbol name])]
text
<ENDTABLE>

Begins a sequence of columnar data.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_ATTRIBUTES> [(

)]

Specifies special formatting for a table.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_FILE> (

)

Causes a separate file containing a formal table to be included in the SDML input file.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_HEADS> (column heading-1 [ \column heading-2 . . . [ \column heading-9]])

Specifies column headings for each column in the table.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_KEY>
text
<ENDTABLE_KEY>

Begins a key or legend for a table.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_KEYREF>

Specifies that a table key should be printed below the table (or any portion of a multipage table) in which this tag appears.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_ROW> (column text-1 [ \column text-2 . . . [ \column text-9]])

Specifies text for each column in a table.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_ROW_BREAK> (

)

Specifies the boundaries in which a long table can be broken onto a new page.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_SETUP> [(number \width1 [...\widthnumber-1)]

Declares up to 9 columns in a table and the approximate width to be assigned to each column.
GLOBAL

<TABLE_SPACE> (value \text)


Previous Next Contents Index