Towards L AT E X3 .0
Frank G. Mittelbach · 1991
L ATEX is a very valuable tool for document composition. As a TEX macro package, it is unique in its concept of logical commands, at the same time retaining enough flexibility with visually oriented commands to allow the user a relatively easy correction of an automatically chosen layout. This fact makes it far superior to the plain and -TEX macro packages when it comes to professional applications. Therefore the L ATEX re-implementation project is certainly one of the most important efforts to “expand TEX’s horizon”. This is the place to link T EX with the modern developments like SGML. This paper describes the current status of the re-implementation of L ATEX. Objectives of the L AT E X project L ATEX [6] was developed to serve the specific needs and designs found in documents of natural science, whereas the needs of other fields are more or less neglected. Many layouts and concepts cannot be realized in the present L ATEX, and even those that can be realized are often falsely flagged as “impossible in LATEX”. One of the main objectives of the L AT E X project is, therefore, to redesign the style file interface by incorporating a broader spectrum of possibilities. At the same time, we try to structure this interface in such a way that it satisfies the needs of a designer. This means that desired layouts should be specifyable preferably through parameters and generic functions that allow a wide range of varieties. An ensuing objective is the proper documentation of the new interface. It should guide the designer in the evaluation of a new layout, allowing him to use the full power of the interface within a short period of time.