Ebook: The advanced TeXbook

"Why is 'lEX so hard to use?" is the most frequent comment/complaint made by (frustrated) 'lEX users. The answer: Because it is programmable (has many features commonly found in programming languages), because it pays attention to detail, and because its creator has developed it for his own use (perhaps also his administrative assistant's) and not for general use. The material presented here is a direct result of this complaint and is an attempt to make it easier for inexperienced users to get the kind of high-quality typesetting that is possible with 'lEX. The material is based on classes taught since 1985, and on the author's personal experience with 'lEX, which includes writing three books and numerous articles, handouts, and letters. Both introductory and advanced material is included here. There are many examples as well as a detailed discussion of topics, such as valign and emergencystretch, that are only briefly touched upon in The TpJXbook. Chapter 20 describes the macros used to typeset this book; it also lists the METAFONT programs for the special characters used.

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Why is TeX so hard to use? Because it is in essence a programming language and so it is best viewed from this perspective. In this book, the author presents a complete course in TeX which will be suitable for users of TeX who want to advance beyond the basics. The initial chapters introduce the essential workings of TeX, including a detailed discussion of boxes and glue. Later chapters cover a wide range of advanced topics such as: macros, conditionals, tokens, leaders, file I/O, the line- and page-break algorithms, and output routines. Throughout, numerous examples are given and exercises (with answers) provide a means for readers to test their understanding of the material. As a result, no serious user of TeX will want to be without this text.

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Why is TeX so hard to use? Because it is in essence a programming language and so it is best viewed from this perspective. In this book, the author presents a complete course in TeX which will be suitable for users of TeX who want to advance beyond the basics. The initial chapters introduce the essential workings of TeX, including a detailed discussion of boxes and glue. Later chapters cover a wide range of advanced topics such as: macros, conditionals, tokens, leaders, file I/O, the line- and page-break algorithms, and output routines. Throughout, numerous examples are given and exercises (with answers) provide a means for readers to test their understanding of the material. As a result, no serious user of TeX will want to be without this text.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xx
Introduction....Pages 1-13
Advanced Introduction....Pages 15-31
Boxes and Glue....Pages 33-85
Paragraphs....Pages 87-108
Macros....Pages 109-141
Conditionals....Pages 143-160
Examples of Macros....Pages 161-192
Tokens and File I/O....Pages 193-209
Multipass Jobs....Pages 211-220
Special Topics....Pages 221-227
Leaders....Pages 229-235
Tables....Pages 237-247
Advanced Math....Pages 249-270
Line & Page Breaks....Pages 271-284
Handling Errors....Pages 285-293
Output Routines....Pages 295-325
OTR Techniques: I....Pages 327-361
OTR Techniques: II....Pages 363-383
Insertions....Pages 385-415
Example Format....Pages 417-434
Back Matter....Pages 435-491

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Why is TeX so hard to use? Because it is in essence a programming language and so it is best viewed from this perspective. In this book, the author presents a complete course in TeX which will be suitable for users of TeX who want to advance beyond the basics. The initial chapters introduce the essential workings of TeX, including a detailed discussion of boxes and glue. Later chapters cover a wide range of advanced topics such as: macros, conditionals, tokens, leaders, file I/O, the line- and page-break algorithms, and output routines. Throughout, numerous examples are given and exercises (with answers) provide a means for readers to test their understanding of the material. As a result, no serious user of TeX will want to be without this text.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xx
Introduction....Pages 1-13
Advanced Introduction....Pages 15-31
Boxes and Glue....Pages 33-85
Paragraphs....Pages 87-108
Macros....Pages 109-141
Conditionals....Pages 143-160
Examples of Macros....Pages 161-192
Tokens and File I/O....Pages 193-209
Multipass Jobs....Pages 211-220
Special Topics....Pages 221-227
Leaders....Pages 229-235
Tables....Pages 237-247
Advanced Math....Pages 249-270
Line & Page Breaks....Pages 271-284
Handling Errors....Pages 285-293
Output Routines....Pages 295-325
OTR Techniques: I....Pages 327-361
OTR Techniques: II....Pages 363-383
Insertions....Pages 385-415
Example Format....Pages 417-434
Back Matter....Pages 435-491
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