[Groff] Re: groff + mp

[Werner LEMBERG]

> > What do you want the MetaPost people do?
>
> Among other things, I want them to change documentation, reflecting
> the fact that groff is the version of troff in use.

I'm sure that patches are highly welcome :-)

> If you take a look at (tex)info docs for metapost, you will see
> references to dpost program, ditroff program and file format.  I am
> not sure what are the exact groff equivalents of the above.

I think that `dpost' is equivalent to `grops', `ditroff' is GNU troff
(the binary), and ditroff's output format is basically compatible with
GNU troff.  Indeed, the text should be revised because MetaPost
actually works with groff (thanks to your patches, I think).

> What is the real state of the troff land?  What are the other
> players beyond groff?

Some people still use the now defunct troff version of QuadSoft (many
syntactical extensions implemented in groff resemble its format), many
use Sun's troff (based on AT&T), and others rely on Plane 9's troff
(based on AT&T, but extended to work with Unicode, more or less,
IIRC).  There are other troff implementations too, but AFAIK they are
all based on the old AT&T troff.


    Werner