How to Manage TeX Live Repositories with 'tlmgr repository' (with examples)

The tlmgr repository command is a powerful tool for managing repositories in a TeX Live installation. TeX Live is a comprehensive distribution of the TeX typesetting system, and it relies on repositories to obtain packages and updates. This command allows users to list, add, remove, set, and verify TeX Live repositories, ensuring that their systems have access to the necessary resources for effective typesetting. Below, we will explore different use cases of this command with examples.

Use case 1: List all configured repositories and their tags

Code:

tlmgr repository list

Motivation:
Listing all configured repositories helps users quickly identify what sources their TeX Live installation currently accesses for packages and updates. It is particularly useful for diagnosing issues related to package availability or ensuring that the system is using the preferred repositories.

Explanation:
The command tlmgr repository list is straightforward, requiring no additional arguments. It simply queries the local TeX Live configuration to provide a list of all repositories that are currently set up, along with any tags they might have.

Example output:

List of repositories (with tags if set):
  http://mirror.ctan.org/systems/texlive/tlnet (default)
  file:/home/user/texlive-repository

Use case 2: List all packages available in a specific repository

Code:

tlmgr repository list http://mirror.ctan.org/systems/texlive/tlnet

Motivation:
Knowing which packages are available in a specific repository can be crucial for troubleshooting missing packages or finding where a particular package can be obtained. This command helps ensure that users are aware of what each repository provides.

Explanation:
In this command, tlmgr repository list is followed by the path, URL, or tag of the desired repository. Here, we use the URL http://mirror.ctan.org/systems/texlive/tlnet to specify the repository we are interested in querying.

Example output:

Available packages in repository http://mirror.ctan.org/systems/texlive/tlnet:
  package1
  package2
  package3
  ...

Use case 3: Add a new repository with a specific tag

Code:

sudo tlmgr repository add http://example.com/texlive texrepo

Motivation:
Adding a new repository can be necessary when you need access to packages that are not available in your current set of repositories. Assigning a tag, such as texrepo, can help you quickly reference or manage this repository later.

Explanation:
sudo is used to grant administrative privileges required to modify repository settings. tlmgr repository add is the command to add a new repository, followed by the path or URL of the repository you wish to add—in this case, http://example.com/texlive. The tag texrepo is an optional identifier for easy reference.

Example output:

Repository 'http://example.com/texlive' added with tag 'texrepo'.

Use case 4: Remove a specific repository

Code:

sudo tlmgr repository remove http://example.com/texlive

Motivation:
Removing a repository might be necessary if it is no longer maintained, if it is redundant, or if it is causing conflicts with other repositories. This operation helps maintain a clean and efficient TeX Live setup.

Explanation:
The sudo command grants the necessary permissions to remove repositories. tlmgr repository remove is the operation performed, where http://example.com/texlive indicates the target repository to be removed.

Example output:

Repository 'http://example.com/texlive' removed.

Use case 5: Set a new list of repositories, overwriting the previous list

Code:

sudo tlmgr repository set http://mirror1.com/texlive#repo1 http://mirror2.com/texlive#repo2

Motivation:
Reconfiguring the list of repositories might be necessary during a system overhaul or if you want to switch to a different set of mirrors that are faster or more reliable. It is useful for ensuring that your TeX Live installation uses the preferred set of repositories.

Explanation:
This command uses sudo for administrative access to modify the repository configuration. tlmgr repository set is employed to define a new list of repositories. Each repository is specified with its path or URL (e.g., http://mirror1.com/texlive), and optionally, a tag can be appended after a # (e.g., repo1).

Example output:

Repositories set to:
  http://mirror1.com/texlive (tag: repo1)
  http://mirror2.com/texlive (tag: repo2)

Use case 6: Show the verification status of all configured repositories

Code:

tlmgr repository status

Motivation:
Verifying the status of repositories ensures that they are functioning correctly and are accessible. It can be useful for diagnosing network issues or validating the security of connections to mirrors.

Explanation:
Simply run tlmgr repository status to check on the operational status and verification status of each configured repository. No additional arguments are needed.

Example output:

Repository 'http://mirror.ctan.org/systems/texlive/tlnet': verified
Repository 'http://example.com/texlive': unverified

Conclusion:

In summary, the tlmgr repository command offers a suite of powerful options for managing TeX Live repositories. Whether you’re listing available repositories, adding or removing them, or verifying their status, these commands ensure a streamlined and effective management process for your TeX Live installation. By understanding how to utilize these commands, users can effectively maintain their TeX typesetting environment, ensuring that it remains up-to-date and reliable.