“install-tl” is a cross-platform installer for TeX Live, a comprehensive distribution of the TeX typesetting system. TeX is widely used for typesetting documents, particularly in academic and technical fields, due to its powerful formatting capabilities and support for mathematical typesetting.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of “install-tl”:
- TeX Live Distribution: TeX Live is a distribution of the TeX typesetting system that includes a wide range of packages, fonts, and utilities for typesetting documents in various formats, including LaTeX, ConTeXt, and Plain TeX. It provides everything needed to create high-quality documents with precise formatting and typography.
- Cross-Platform Installer: “install-tl” is the official installer for TeX Live, and it is designed to work on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform support ensures that users can easily install TeX Live on their preferred operating system without encountering compatibility issues.
- Comprehensive Installation: The “install-tl” installer provides a straightforward way to install the entire TeX Live distribution or customize the installation by selecting specific packages and components. This allows users to tailor their TeX setup to their specific needs and preferences, whether they require a minimal installation for basic document typesetting or a complete installation with all available packages.
- Package Management: Once installed, TeX Live includes utilities for managing packages and updating the distribution over time. Users can use the “tlmgr” (TeX Live Manager) command-line tool to install, remove, and update packages, ensuring that their TeX setup remains up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes.
- Documentation and Resources: The TeX Live website provides comprehensive documentation and resources for users, including installation instructions, package documentation, and tutorials for getting started with TeX typesetting. This ensures that users have access to the information they need to make the most of their TeX Live installation and create professional-quality documents.
install-tl Command Examples
1. Start the text-based installer (default on Unix systems):
# install-tl -no-gui
2. Start the GUI installer (default on macOS and Windows, requires Tcl/Tk):
# install-tl -gui
3. Install TeX Live as defined in a specific profile file:
# install-tl -profile [path/to/texlive.profile]
4. Start the installer with the settings from a specific profile file:
# install-tl -init-from-file [path/to/texlive.profile]
5. Start the installer for installation on a portable device, like a USB stick:
# install-tl -portable
6. Show help for install-tl:
# install-tl -help
Summary
Overall, “install-tl” is an essential tool for installing TeX Live, the comprehensive TeX distribution, on various operating systems. With its cross-platform support, customizable installation options, and package management utilities, it provides users with a convenient and flexible way to set up and manage their TeX typesetting environment.