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I agree with Suzanne - different fonts can be confusing, plus not everyone
is able to differentiate between two different fonts with ease. I use either
bold or italics to differentiate between what is required and what is
optional. I use courier or some other type of monospaced font for code so
it is easy for people to see if spaces are present. For example, I might use
courier for the entire line of code and apply italics only to the parts that
are optional.
Chantel
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+brathwaitec=castupgrade -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+brathwaitec=castupgrade -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Suzanne Chiles
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 2:49 PM
To: Roberta Hennessey
Cc: tech writer tech writer
Subject: Re: Font choices
Different languages have different types of syntax and customs. What
language and OS are you working with?
On a general note, though, I would stay away from using different fonts.
Typically, code examples are written in a monospace font. You can use
italics or bolding.
Suzanne
On Tue, Nov 30, 2010 at 11:29 AM, Roberta Hennessey
<rahennessey -at- gmail -dot- com>wrote:
> Hi.
>
> Can anyone make any recommendations on using font type to differentiate
> required and optional code in a code example?
> I want a programmer to be able to glance at it and be able to tell which
is
> required and which is optional. As this will be both
> online and hard copy, no color is used.
>
> Is there an industry standard for code examples programmers are familiar
> with?
>
> I am using these 2 to differentiate:
>
> Verdana, 12, Italic
> Courier New 13 (greater kerning)
>
> Any suggestions appreciated. I want my guide easy as pie to use.
>
> Bobbi
>
>
>
> --
> Roberta Hennessey
> Technical Writer
> (978) 835-4282
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