---
title: "Update token syntax in SQL Server Agent job steps | Microsoft Docs"
ms.custom: ""
ms.date: "06/13/2017"
ms.prod: "sql-server-2014"
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology: "database-engine"
ms.topic: conceptual
helpviewer_keywords: 
  - "job step token syntax [SQL Server Agent]"
  - "token syntax [SQL Server Agent]"
ms.assetid: c801e6da-0159-4bb0-9144-eb28b5127ff7
author: mashamsft
ms.author: mathoma
manager: craigg
---
# Update token syntax in SQL Server Agent job steps
  The syntax that is used tokens in [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Agent job steps has changed.  
  
## Component  
 [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Agent  
  
## Description  
 In [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)], [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Agent uses parentheses, such as $(DATE), instead of brackets, such as [DATE].  
  
 For more information, see "Using Tokens in Job Steps" in [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Books Online.  
  
## See Also  
 [SQL Server Agent Upgrade Issues](../../../2014/sql-server/install/sql-server-agent-upgrade-issues.md)