From one to many: AsciiDoc converts a text file to various output formats

Single Source

© Lead Image © Galina Peshkova, 123RF.com

© Lead Image © Galina Peshkova, 123RF.com

Article from Issue 171/2015
Author(s):

AsciiDoc syntax along with its eponymous command lets users create a text document with unobtrusive markup and convert it to a variety of output formats.

Write once, publish many – the idea behind AsciiDoc [1] is not new. The AsciiDoc syntax was created as a simple method of editing DocBook documents and has established itself as a more or less ubiquitous document format that acts as a source for a variety of other output formats.

AsciiDoc is both in wide use and actively developed. Even publishing companies accept manuscripts in this format or use it internally. The system comprises a source text and a converter that converts the source into the desired output.

The asciidoc command accepts three document types with the -d switch – book, article, and manpage – with default front and back matter (Table 1). The software uses back ends to generate various formats with the -b switch (Table 2). The default document type is article.

[...]

Use Express-Checkout link below to read the full article (PDF).

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Asciidoctor

    The popular AsciiDoc documentation system still has a lot to offer, but more experienced users should check out Asciidoctor, which has some additional new features.

  • Kernel News

    Chronicler Zack Brown reports on the latest news, views, dilemmas, and developments within the Linux kernel community.

  • Command Line – unoconv

    A hidden utility in the LibreOffice toolbox, unoconv offers a wide array of import and export filter options for use at the command line.

  • Introduction

    This month in Linux Voice.

  • Vale Style

    Maintaining a consistent style can become challenging when multiple individuals contribute to a software project's documentation or a magazine. Vale checks your plain text files and even allows you to create custom style rules.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News