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On Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:17:28 -0400, Elizabeth J Allen <eja -at- samurai -dot- com>
wrote:
> The thing about LaTeX is that it *is* code, pure and simple. LaTeX is
> a language for typesetting documents. It is easily the most powerful
> typesetting tool I have ever used (and I've used Frame, Quark, and
> InDesign). As such, it is also easily the most complex.
>
> Note: LaTeX is not WYSIWYG. Authoring LaTeX is a lot like editing
> HTML in a text editor. The files have to be compiled in order to
> generate output (that is, the final PDF).
As I mentioned to Joel privately, LaTeX editors do exist if you're not
interested in coding. I use LyX (http://www.lyx.org), a multi-platform
editor. (It's probably best used on Linux, but should work well enough
with Windows).
LaTeX editors can make customizing your styles a bit more difficult, but
the actual writing process becomes a bit easier this way, and perhaps a
bit more maintainable. Naturally it's possible to define your own TeX
styles and import them into most editors.
Tools exist for exporting to a variety of formats (RTF, HTML, DocBook,
PDF, PS, DVI, et c.). It's an investment in time to learn, but I think
well worth it.
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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