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  ANSI Common Lisp   1 Introduction   1.4 Definitions   1.4.4 Interpreting Dictionary Entries

1.4.4.20 The "Syntax" Section of a Dictionary Entry

This section describes how to use the defined name in code. The "Syntax" description for a generic function describes the lambda list of the generic function itself, while the "Method Signatures" describe the lambda lists of the defined methods. The "Syntax" description for an ordinary function, a macro, or a special operator describes its parameters.

For example, an operator description might say:

F x y &optional z &key k

This description indicates that the function F has two required parameters, x and y. In addition, there is an optional parameter z and a keyword parameter k.

For macros and special operators, syntax is given in modified BNF notation; see Section 1.4.1.2 Modified BNF Syntax. For functions a lambda list is given. In both cases, however, the outermost parentheses are omitted, and default value information is omitted.

1.4.4.20.1  Special "Syntax" Notations for Overloaded Operators
1.4.4.20.2  Naming Conventions for Rest Parameters
1.4.4.20.3  Requiring Non-Null Rest Parameters in the "Syntax" Section
1.4.4.20.4  Return values in the "Syntax" Section


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