Hans Aberg writes:
> I just came across the URL <http://xxx.lanl.gov/hypertex/> (this is an
> offical archive for storing preprints), which discusses TeX/LaTeX macros
> which enables one to embed hyperlinks in the source. The idea is that a
> smart browser can convert those to real hyperlinks.
>
> Are there any plans including such macros in LaTeX3? (If not, it seems to
> be a good idea.)
I have devoted considerable effort over the last 3 years to a LaTeX
package which generates hypertex-style hyperlinks from normal LaTeX
markup (the hyperref package). Largely, it works. Give it a go:-} As
the LaTeX2e maintainers know, I would like more hooks in core LaTeX to
ease my task and I think they accept the principle, but none of us
has precisely defined the needs. So I would say there are 3 questions
to look at:
1. how to get the real hyperlinks into the output; i don't think this
is LaTeX's job, and it is moderately well understood. hyperref, for
instance, can work with hypertex xdvi, pdftex, dvips->distiller-pdf,
OzTeX previewer, dvipsone, and dviwindow as `browsers'. and, I
think, Scientific Word
2. whether to extend the standard LaTeX command set to include URL
references and point-to-point links (\label isn't really a proper
point), to avoid packages defining their own markup
3. whether core LaTeX does need extra hooks for people who writing
hypertext macros.
For me, 2. is what I want dealt with. hyperref, hyper and latex2html
define incompatible commands at present, and its verging on getting
messy.
Sebastian
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