TeXlike

TeXlike is a free and open-source document preparation system intended as a modern, extensible successor to TeX. It processes plain-text source into high-quality typeset documents, with strong support for mathematics, tables, and figures. The design emphasizes reproducibility, clarity of macro definitions, modular extensions, and robust tooling for debugging and documentation.

Design and features: TeXlike uses a macro language with commands introduced by a backslash and braces, but it emphasizes modularity through packages that extend primitives without changing core semantics. It supports OpenType fonts, microtypography, automatic ligatures, and advanced line breaking. A package system handles bibliography, indexing, graphics, and cross-referencing, while the tooling suite provides incremental compilation and improved error reporting. The project also prioritizes interoperability with existing TeX workflows via a compatibility layer.

Syntax and usage: Source files are written in plain text, with document structure defined by commands and environments. The compiler expands macros, organizes content, and typesets the result into formats such as PDF. Development tooling offers live preview, streamlined build pipelines, and documentation generation, aiming to simplify debugging and validation of complex documents.

History and status: TeXlike has emerged in recent discussions as an attempt to combine TeX’s precision with contemporary software practices. It maintains an active contributor base and a growing ecosystem of packages, though it remains less widely adopted than traditional TeX-based systems. Open governance and emphasis on portability are highlighted in its development approach.

Reception and impact: The project is noted in scholarly publishing and typesetting communities as a potential option for documents that require advanced macro facilities and high-quality typography, offering an alternative workflow to established TeX engines.

See also TeX, LaTeX, ConTeXt, LuaTeX, XeTeX.