On 3/5/25 10:34, G. Branden Robinson wrote:
As I conceptualize it, no. The line is already in perfect adjustment.
Relatedly, the `distribute_space()` function in GNU troff returns early
if (1) there amount of space required to bring the output line up to the
configured line length is zero; (2) no adjustable spaces exist on the
output line; or (3) the output line is already overset.
(If we implemented a "squeezing" algorithm, and condition (2) did not
hold, we could instead proceed with it.)
On the other hand, a partially full line at the end of an adjusted
paragraph does not require adjustment.
Something that might help here is Ted Harding's suggestion of using
complementary H and s escapes which I have used for decades to give a
line-by-line kerning effect to justified text.
\s'-375u'\H'+375u'line of text to be squeezed\H'0'\s0
There are a number of caveats. It only makes sense to use it for small
squeezes or stretches. It works better/easier if the arguments bear some
relationship to the pointsize (e.g., 375u with 12 pt). If the line ends
almost at the right margin you can add the p escape. It is very much
trial and error -- gilding the lily, if you will. If you get it wrong
the result is horrible, but if you get it right the result is "proper"
typesetting.
Robert Thorsby
