How to Use the Command 'texliveonfly' (with examples)

The command texliveonfly is a powerful tool for LaTeX users who want to seamlessly compile .tex files without manually managing the installation of required TeX Live packages. This command automatically detects missing packages and downloads them on-the-fly, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. For more detailed information, you can visit CTAN’s texliveonfly page .

Use Case 1: Download Missing Packages While Compiling

Code:

texliveonfly source.tex

Motivation: When working with LaTeX documents, users often encounter the need to include various packages that are not pre-installed. This can cause interruptions during the compilation process, as users would traditionally have to stop, identify, and manually install the missing packages before re-running the compilation. texliveonfly eliminates this hassle by automatically downloading any missing packages required to compile the document, making the process smooth and uninterrupted. This is particularly beneficial for new LaTeX users who may not be familiar with how to manually install packages, or for anyone working with a new document that relies on specific, uncommon packages.

Explanation:

• texliveonfly: This command manages the downloading of necessary packages as needed.
• source.tex: This represents the LaTeX source file that you’re looking to compile. It’s the input to the texliveonfly utility, which will scan the file to determine which packages are required and if they’re already installed or need to be downloaded.

Example Output: When running texliveonfly with a LaTeX file like source.tex, the command will output the normal compilation log, interspersed with messages indicating the automatic download of any missing packages. If all packages are present, it will simply output the document as usual.

Use Case 2: Use a Specific Compiler

Code:

texliveonfly --compiler=compiler source.tex

Motivation: Different projects or documents might have different requirements in terms of compilers. While texliveonfly defaults to using pdflatex, users might need or prefer using another compiler, such as xelatex or lualatex, either due to specific features, compatibility with fonts, or document requirements that are better supported by these compilers. By specifying the desired compiler, users can harness the specific capabilities of that compiler while still benefiting from automatic package management.

Explanation:

• --compiler=compiler: This option allows you to specify which LaTeX compiler you want to use instead of the default pdflatex. Replacing compiler with the desired compiler name, such as xelatex, directs texliveonfly to use that particular program for compiling the document.
• source.tex: As before, this is the LaTeX document you intend to compile.

Example Output: With a chosen compiler, the output will reflect the standard compilation messages from that specific tool. You’ll continue to see any automatic download notifications if packages are missing, followed by normal compilation logs specific to the selected compiler (e.g., xelatex or lualatex).

Use Case 3: Use a Custom TeX Live bin Folder

Code:

texliveonfly --texlive_bin=path/to/texlive_bin source.tex

Motivation: In environments where multiple versions of TeX Live are installed, or where the installation is non-standard due to user permissions, custom directories, or specific project configurations, it might be necessary to specify the exact path to the TeX Live bin folder. By doing so, users can ensure that the correct version and path of the TeX tools are being utilized, avoiding potential conflicts or errors due to default system paths that don’t match the user’s configuration or intended usage.

Explanation:

• --texlive_bin=path/to/texlive_bin: This argument allows you to define the path to your specific TeX Live bin directory. This is the folder where the binaries like pdflatex, xelatex, etc., reside. By specifying this path, you direct texliveonfly to use these tools from the specified location rather than relying on system defaults.
• source.tex: This remains the file being compiled.

Example Output: The command execution will proceed similarly to the standard execution, with any downloading of missing packages occurring as needed. Given the specified bin directory, the exact commands and paths from that directory will be used, reflected in the logs, ensuring the use of the precise tools pointed to by path/to/texlive_bin.

Conclusion

The texliveonfly command is an essential tool for LaTeX users seeking efficient and smooth document compilation without the typical hassles of package management. By understanding and utilizing the options to select compilers or define specific binary paths, users can tailor the command to meet diverse and specific project needs, thus enhancing productivity and minimizing errors associated with package installations and compiler selection.