AutoLaTeX

AutoLaTeX project is a highly efficient tool suitable for managing LaTeX projects in different sizes ranging from small to large.

The input file for AutoLaTeX is a series of variable definitions in a Makefile. This Makefile is automatically generated by a Perl script provided by the system. With the help of AutoLaTeX, the user can easily perform essential tasks such as previewing the document or generating a PDF file. Additionally, the system keeps track of modified files and understands how to run the various programs needed to produce the output.

One of the best features of AutoLaTeX is its ability to provide translation rules. These rules allow the user to generate figures that will automatically be included in the PDF document.

For example, suppose we have a project with a single LaTeX file named mydoc.tex. To generate a PDF file using the conventional method, we would need to use a sequence of commands such as:
pdflatex mydoc.tex
bibtex mydoc.tex
pdflatex mydoc.tex
pdflatex mydoc.tex
pdflatex mydoc.tex

While this approach is functional, it still requires several lines of commands. In contrast, with AutoLaTeX, we can use the command line:
autolatex -f mydoc.tex

AutoLaTeX will automatically generate the Makefile file in the current directory, allowing for more efficient management of larger projects. In more complex projects where there is a need to export drawings to Postscript files or generate bibliographies, the manual generation of PDF (or other) files can become increasingly challenging. But with AutoLaTeX, the process remains simple, and the user has nothing to worry about.

Overall, AutoLaTeX is a simple yet powerful system that can streamline the management of LaTeX-based documents. This review provides an overview of the system's capabilities, and the manual features comprehensive documentation on AutoLaTeX's use, installation, and configuration.