## CHAPTER 1 

## Notation: Symbols and Separators 

Pascal programs are represented by symbols and symbol separators. Pascal symbols include special symbols, word symbols, identifiers, numbers, character strings, labels, and directives. Symbol separators are explained in the next section. 

## 1.A. Separators 

Blanks, ends-of-lines (line separators), and comments are considered as symbol separators. No part of a separator can occur within a Pascal symbol. You must use at least one separator between two consecutive identifiers, word-symbols, or numbers. 

A comment begins with either { or (* (not inside a character string) and ends with either a } or *). A comment may contain any sequence of end-of-lines and characters except} or *). A comment may be replaced with a space in the program text without altering its meaning. 

Often you can improve the readability of a Pascal program by inserting blanks, end-of-lines (blank lines), and comments in it. 

## 1.B. Special Symbols and Word Symbols 

Here are the lists of special symbols and word symbols used to write Pascal programs. Note that two--character special symbols are written without any intervening separators. 

