Remote Operations 13-13
Short-form rules
Use the following rules to determine the short-form version of any SCPI command:
• If the length of the command word is four letters or less, no short form version exists. 
Example:
:auto = :auto
These rules apply to command words that exceed four letters:
• If the fourth letter of the command word is a vowel (including “y”), delete it and all the 
letters after it. Example:
:immediate = :imm
• If the fourth letter of the command word is a consonant, retain it but drop all the letters 
after it. Example:
:format = :form
• If the command contains a question mark (?; query) or a non-optional number included 
in the command word, you must include it in the short-form version. Example:
:delay? = :del?
• Command words or characters that are enclosed in brackets ([ ]) are optional and need 
not be included in the program message.
NOTE For fastest response to commands, always use short forms.
Program messages
A program message is made up of one or more command words sent by the computer to the 
instrument. Each common command is a three letter acronym preceded by an asterisk (*). SCPI 
commands are categorized in the :STATus subsystem and are used to explain how command 
words are structured to formulate program messages.
:STATus Path (Root)
    :OPERation     Path
        :ENABle <NRf>         Command and parameter
        :ENABle?         Query command
    :PRESet     Command