On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 16:35:18 -0700
Ravi Rao <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> This may have been asked before, but I can't think of the right
> keywords to search for it. I'm an experienced LaTeX user, and I
> would like to use LyX because it gives me an instant preview of what
> I "meant". However, I find it's MS Word-like GUI interface with
> toolbars, menus, etc. tiresome. As I already know LaTeX, can't I
> simply type the LaTeX code, and have Lyx interpret it on the fly?
> This functionality is already partially present in the Math editing.
> When I type \alpha, it immediately becomes the symbol alpha. I would
> think it should be even easier to do things like convert \title{ into
> a title style. Is there some way to do this right now in LyX? Are
> there others who think this would be a desirable feature?
>
> Ravi
It would be nice to have this functionality, but it requires a compile of the
.lyx or .tex file each keystroke. Using existing means recompile the source
with each keystroke (lyx -> tex -> dvi -> ps/pdf) would make this a computer
intensive task. To make the "real-time" rendering of the dvi/ps/pdf and reduce
the redundant file compiling and cpu workload would need a different way than
is currently implemented. IMHO.
So far what I have is to use a cron job to make a dvi/ps/pdf each minute.
(using Linux)
eg making a pdf from cron:
0-59 * * * * /usr/local/bin/lyx1.4.2 -e pdf2 ~/name-of-doc.lyx >> /dev/null
2>&1
The command for lyx (or latex) and location of the edited file may differ.
If you want an email each time its done, remove the ">> /dev/null 2>&1"
Also setup the editor to save the file every minute, and do a save 5 seconds
before the minute, so the cron job gets the most recent addition to your file.
Set up the file viewers set to "watch file". kdvi, gv and kpdf will do this for
dvi, ps and pdf respectively.
If you have dual monitors, set the viewer on one and editor on the other. It
works a treat!
HTH
Russell
