Programming language reference

It is written for users and developers, and describes the basic elements of the language and how to use them in a program.

For a command-based language, for example, this will include details of every available command and of the syntax for using it.

The reference manual is usually separate and distinct from a more detailed programming language specification meant for implementors of the language rather than those who simply use it to accomplish some processing task.

There may also be a separate introductory guide aimed at giving newcomers enough information to start writing programs, after which they can consult the reference manual for full details.

Frequently, however, a single publication contains both the introductory material and the language reference.