How to use the command "install-tl" (with examples)
Use case 1: Start the text-based installer (default on Unix systems)
install-tl -no-gui
Motivation: This command is used to start the text-based installer for TeX Live on Unix systems. The text-based installer provides a simple interface for installing TeX Live without a graphical user interface.
Explanation: The -no-gui option is used to start the installer without the GUI. This is the default mode of installation on Unix systems. The text-based installer allows users to navigate through the installation process using the arrow keys and select the desired options.
Example output: The text-based installer will start and display a series of prompts and options for installing TeX Live. Users can navigate through the options using the arrow keys and make selections by pressing the Enter key.
Use case 2: Start the GUI installer (default on macOS and Windows)
install-tl -gui
Motivation: This command is used to start the GUI installer for TeX Live on macOS and Windows systems. The GUI installer provides a more user-friendly interface compared to the text-based installer.
Explanation: The -gui option is used to start the installer with a graphical user interface. This is the default mode of installation on macOS and Windows systems. The GUI installer allows users to navigate through the installation process using a series of screens and select the desired options using checkboxes and buttons.
Example output: The GUI installer will start and display a graphical interface with a series of screens and options for installing TeX Live. Users can navigate through the screens and make selections using checkboxes and buttons.
Use case 3: Install TeX Live as defined in a specific profile file
install-tl -profile path/to/texlive.profile
Motivation: This command is used to install TeX Live using a specific profile file. A profile file allows users to define custom configurations for the TeX Live installation, such as the selection of packages, installation paths, and post-installation actions.
Explanation: The -profile option is used to specify the path to a profile file. The profile file contains a set of configuration instructions that define how TeX Live should be installed. The profile file can be created or modified using a text editor and should follow a specific format defined by TeX Live.
Example output: TeX Live will be installed based on the configurations defined in the specified profile file. The installation process will apply the settings specified in the profile file, such as package selections, installation paths, and post-installation actions.
Use case 4: Start the installer with the settings from a specific profile file
install-tl -init-from-file path/to/texlive.profile
Motivation: This command is used to start the installer with the settings read from a specific profile file. It allows users to review and modify the settings before proceeding with the installation.
Explanation: The -init-from-file option is used to specify the path to a profile file. When using this option, the installer will read the configurations from the profile file, but instead of starting the installation immediately, it will open the installer interface with the settings preloaded. This allows users to review and modify the settings before proceeding with the installation.
Example output: The installer interface will be opened with the settings from the specified profile file preloaded. Users can review and modify the settings before proceeding with the installation by clicking on the corresponding buttons or checkboxes in the GUI.
Use case 5: Start the installer for installation on a portable device
install-tl -portable
Motivation: This command is used to start the installer for installation on a portable device, such as a USB stick. Installing TeX Live on a portable device allows users to carry the TeX Live environment with them and use it on different computers without the need for installation.
Explanation: The -portable option is used to start the installer in portable mode. In portable mode, TeX Live is installed in a self-contained directory that can be moved and used on different computers. This mode is useful for users who need to use TeX Live on multiple machines without going through the installation process each time.
Example output: TeX Live will be installed in a self-contained directory that can be moved and used on different computers. The installation process will create a directory structure and copy all the necessary files and packages into the portable device, making it ready to use on any compatible computer.
Use case 6: Show help for install-tl
install-tl -help
Motivation: This command is used to display the help information for the install-tl command. The help information provides details about the available options and their functionalities, allowing users to understand how to use the command effectively.
Explanation: The -help option is used to display the help information for the install-tl command. This information includes a summary of the command, a list of available options, and a brief description of each option’s functionality. It is useful for users who need assistance or clarification on how to use the command.
Example output: The help information for the install-tl command will be displayed in the terminal. The output will contain a summary of the command, a list of available options, and a description of each option’s functionality. Users can read through this information to understand how to use the install-tl command effectively.
