What is BBCode and how can I use it in the forums?

• BBCode is a variation on the HTML tags you may already be familiar with. Basically, it allows you to add functionality or style to your message that would normally require HTML. You can use BBCode even if HTML is not enabled for the forum you are using. You may want to use BBCode as opposed to HTML, because there is less coding required and it is safer to use (incorrect coding syntax will not lead to as many problems).
  
  URL Hyperlinking
  
  You can create true hyperlinks using the [url] code. Just use the following format:
  [url=http://www.totalgeek.org]totalgeek.org[/url]
  
  In the example above, the BBCode automatically generates a hyperlink to the URL that is encased. It will also ensure that the link is opened in a new window when the user clicks on it. Note that the "http://" part of the URL is completely optional. The URL will hyperlink the text to whatever URL you provide after the equal sign. Also note that you should NOT use quotation marks inside the URL tag. 
  
  Italics and bold face
  
  You can make italicized text or make text bold by encasing the applicable sections of your text with either the [b] [/b] or [i] [/i] tags.
  
  Hello, [b]James[/b]
  Hello, [i]Mary[/i]
  
  
  Bullets/lists
  
  You can make bulleted lists or ordered lists (by number or letter).
  
  Unordered, bulleted list:
  
  [list]
  [*] This is the first bulleted item.
  [*] This is the second bulleted item.
  [/list]
  
  This produces:
  
  

• This is the first bulleted item.
• This is the second bulleted item. 
  
  Note that you must include a closing [/list] when you end each list.
  
  Making ordered lists is just as easy. Just add either [LIST=A] or [LIST=1]. Typing [List=A] will produce a list from A to Z. Using [List=1] will produce numbered lists.
  
  Here's an example:
  
  [list=A]
  [*] This is the first bulleted item.
  [*] This is the second bulleted item.
  [/list]
  
  This produces:
  
  1. This is the first bulleted item.
  2. This is the second bulleted item. 
  
  Adding Images
  
  To add a image within your message, just encase the URL of the graphic image as shown in the following example (BBCode is in red).
  
  [img]http://www.totalgeek.org/images/tline.gif[/img]
  
  In the example above, the BBCode automatically makes the graphic visible in your message. Note: the "http://" part of the URL is required for the [img] code. 
  
  Quoting Other Messages
  
  To reference something specific that someone has posted, just cut and paste the applicable verbiage and enclose it as shown below (BBCode is in red).
  
  [QUOTE]Ask not what your country can do for you....
  ask what you can do for your country.[/QUOTE]
  
  In the example above, the BBCode automatically blockquotes the text you reference.
  
  
  
  Note: 
  
  
• You should not use both HTML and BBCode to do the same function. 
• BBCode is not case-sensitive (you could use [URL] or [url]).
• Do not put spaces between the bracketed code and the text you are applying the code to.
• End brackets must include a forward slash (e.g. [/url] )