troff (was: Recommended Applications - Interleaf)

Subject: troff (was: Recommended Applications - Interleaf)
From: Andrew Shires <andrews -at- HARLEQUIN -dot- CO -dot- UK>
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1993 19:00:25 BST

John Sanders writes:

> NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Don't say that evil word. "troff"

Let's be fair to troff. WYSIWYG packages and markup languages are
entirely different things. Historically, troff and its related macro
packages and filters were essential in UNIX typesetting. Worthwhile
WYSIWYG toys like FrameMaker and Interleaf are certainly an
improvement, but let's remember the humble user who can't afford such
computationally and financially expensive applications.

The standard troff programs, accompanied by a suitable PostScript
language filter and viewer (free or dirt cheap) make top-quality
printed output accessible to all UNIX users, with no waste paper.
With integrated, extension-filled packages like GNU's groff, you can
do pretty much anything _appearance-wise_ with it, and with less fuss
than ever. Of course, there are no document-handling facilities, but
you get what you (don't) pay for, don't you?

troff: it's great. That said, I like Frame even more.


Andrew Shires Harlequin Ltd.,
Technical Author Barrington Hall,
Barrington,
andrews -at- harlequin -dot- co -dot- uk Cambridge,
andrews -at- harlequin -dot- com ENGLAND.


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