Re: The PDF back end

[bln]

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Hi Kyle,

On Mon, May 21, 2001 at 10:21:39AM -0600, Kyle wrote:

> > Postscript has been tied directly into Lout and its macro packages. This
> > umbilical cord allowed Lout to grow into its current form. But if Lout wants
> > to continue to grow, this umbilical cord has to be severed at some point in
> > time.
>
> Does everyone accept that as a "given?"

How can someone's opinion be a given? Not having a lame
disclaimer in my sig doesn't necessarily make my ramblings fact.

[adding layer between core & back-end]

> Not on face value, but here are some pros of a new layer as I see it:

> 1. You don't (theoretically) have to change macro packages depending on which 
> backend you are using.
> 2. Other backends besides PS, and PDF may now be more easily attainable.

True. It would also be easier to debug, since all errors are
handled by Lout, not partially by the PS interpreter.

> Some cons are:

> 1. Any new abstraction layer inherently places new limitations on which 
> features of postscript the user will
> be able to access.  I've been able to do some pretty slick stuff in lout 
> because I have a direct pipe to the
> PS backend.  My guess is it will be pretty hard to simplify the interface and 
> still retain the full power of
> postscript.

Correct. But.. direct PS support could still be included as an
option, though using that option will force you to use the PS
back-end. For example, even MS-Word supports EPS graphics, but
they show up as empty rectangles in the GUI and on non-PS
printers.

> 2. There is a new set of commands that now need to be included in macro 
> packages (oops, have to change the
> macros now)

Which only has to be done once.

> 3. Another command syntax and vocabulary to master.

Yes, but only if you want to tread outside of the standard
packages. And hopefully, these new commands will be easier for
new users to learn than Postscript.


- --
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=Martin=                                                        \/
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From: address@hidden
To: Kyle <address@hidden>, Lout List <address@hidden>
Subject: Re: The PDF back end
In-Reply-To: <address@hidden>; from address@hidden on Mon, May 21, 2001 at 
10:21:39AM -0600
X-S-Issue: address@hidden 2001/05/21 20:07:32 46e7450717aea8bfd81946da1675a6b9
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