1.4.4.24 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 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.