Symbol for nothing

[ACtheTROLL]

One of my jobs is training ...
I'm currently writing a course which includes programming routers using hyper-terminal. also some command line stuff.

the target is beginner level ... so I can't take it for granted that they'll have any experience in commandline useage ... so it's important that a line that reads
router# copy running-config startup-config
clearly shows where the spaces are
the problem is that the likes of [ ]<>~|\ / all have existing meanings .... so I need to invent a "space" character
(my intention is to create a font based on courrier new which includes this new symbol)

my problem is .... my artistic talents are pretty grimmmmm......
all my efforts are too intrusive and tend to interrupt the reading flow.

any suggestions?

[squarebear]

A lot of instructions like that use a small triangle to indicate a space.

[fo3nix]

Take a look at Friedl's Mastering Regular Expressions.

He had a similar situation, given that whitespace in regex can be very important.

He ended up using a small red-ish dot in the middle of the line, representing one space. In all areas a command or code is given.

What are you writing it in? I would think it'll be pretty easy to add a small shape like this inline with the text, in LaTeX.

[ACtheTROLL]

Thanks both
Interesting .... generally I deal with blooded pros who won't admit to not knowing anything ....

I like both your suggestions .... It's sometimes easy to overcomplicate ....

I'd prefer something below the baseline ... and not eyecatching - but easily counted

I'll knock something up ....

[fo3nix]

I personally find the dot very readable, but perhaps try a red bottom half of a square, on the baseline of the type as you say. Like a little U shape.

[ACtheTROLL]

I've started re-formatting part of a doc that I know has caused problems, using a couple of symbols (including mine which is like a square bracket on it's side [.

I have a couple of courses next week ... so I'll put it to the test