How to use the command 'texdoc' (with examples)
Texdoc is a command-line tool that allows users to search for appropriate documentation for (La)TeX commands or packages. It provides a convenient way to access relevant information and documentation related to TeX.
Use case 1: Open the first search result in the default PDF viewer
Code:
texdoc search
Motivation:
By using texdoc search, we can quickly open the first search result in the default PDF viewer, which allows us to view the documentation of the specified TeX command or package without manual searching.
Explanation:
The command texdoc search takes the argument “search” which refers to the keyword or package name for which we want to search the documentation. It searches for the appropriate documentation and opens the first search result in the default PDF viewer set on the system.
Example output: The PDF viewer opens and displays the documentation for the specified keyword or package.
Use case 2: List the best search results
Code:
texdoc --list search
Motivation:
Listing the best search results using texdoc --list search can be helpful when we want to explore multiple documentation options for the given keyword or package. It gives us an overview of all the available options, allowing us to choose the most relevant documentation.
Explanation:
The --list option, when used with the texdoc command, lists all the available search results for the specified keyword or package. It provides a summary of all the documentation options, including their names and locations.
Example output:
1. package: documentation path
2. package: documentation path
3. package: documentation path
...
The output displays a numbered list of available documentation options, along with their corresponding paths.
Use case 3: Open full documentation of texdoc
Code:
texdoc texdoc
Motivation:
Opening the full documentation of texdoc using texdoc texdoc allows us to understand the complete functionality and usage details of the texdoc command. It can be useful when we want detailed information about how to utilize the different options and features of texdoc.
Explanation:
The command texdoc texdoc opens the full documentation of texdoc itself. By providing “texdoc” as the argument, we are requesting the documentation for the texdoc command.
Example output:
The default PDF viewer opens and displays the full documentation of texdoc command. It includes detailed information about different command-line options and how to use them effectively.
Conclusion:
The texdoc command provides a convenient way to search for and access relevant (La)TeX documentation. By using different options and arguments, we can quickly view documentation, explore multiple options, and access detailed explanations of the texdoc command itself.
