Dashing helps lengthen a combo, and practice is required to pull these off correctly. If you see f,n,d,df that would indicate that you tap forward, let the d-pad return to normal, then tap down, and slide the d-pad to down forward. This means that you let the d-pad return to its normal state. hcf = Rotate the pad from back, to down, to forward (like Dhalsim's Yoga Flame in Street Fighter).
qcf = Rotate the pad from down, to forward (ala Ryu's fireball motion from Street Fighter). To do a 'WS' move you first duck, and then upon letting go of DOWN you press the button. If you see f+4 that means that you would tap forward and the CIRCLE button at the same time. For example, f = tap forward, while F = hold forward. Capitol notation = When a move or direction is in CAPS, it's meant that you HOLD that direction/button. For example, 3~B means tapping X and then immediately holding back.
~ = when two moves are joined by this symbol, it means that you are to immediately follow the prior button with the next one.