![[XANALYS]](../Graphics/XanSmall.gif)
A generic function lambda list is used to describe the overall shape of the argument list to be accepted by a generic function. Individual method signatures might contribute additional keyword parameters to the lambda list of the effective method.
A generic function lambda list is used by defgeneric.
A generic function lambda list has the following syntax:
lambda-list::= (var*
[&optional {var | (var)}*]
[&rest var]
[&key {var | ({var | (keyword-name var)})}* [&allow-other-keys]])
A generic function lambda list can contain the lambda list keywords shown in the next figure.
&allow-other-keys &optional &key &rest
Figure 3-14. Lambda List Keywords used by Generic Function Lambda Lists
A generic function lambda list differs from an ordinary lambda list in the following ways: