Chapter 12. Language Reference

Here begins the alphabetic reference. This chapter presents each language keyword with a syntax summary, description, and, in some cases, an example. The syntax summaries use a modified BNF (Backus Normal Form or Backus-Naur Form):

The starting point for parsing a C++ source file (the start symbol) is translation-unit, which you can find under declaration.

C++ syntax is complicated, and even simple statements require an understanding of many different syntax elements. To help you, this chapter duplicates some syntax rules and has plenty of cross references to help you find the parts you need.

Almost every language element is discussed at greater length in Chapter 1-Chapter 7; each description in this chapter includes a reference to the relevant chapter or chapters. References to specific headers (e.g., <new>) are for the corresponding sections in Chapter 13.