General ⇒ package dependency

[akshay]

Hello!

Is there a way to determine the package dependencies in LaTeX?
Some thing like the specific ordering of packages in the code, etc.,

Thanks,
Akshay

[5gon12eder]

You may have a look into the package's *.sty files and check what other packages they load. However, this won't prevent you from some package hacking the kernel which causes another incompatible package to crash. Most of the "common" packages will list potential conflicts in their documentation so they are definitely worth reading.

Do you ask because of a particular problem? If so, please tell us what packages you are using and ideally post a minimal working example.

[akshay]

Hello 5gon12eder ,

Thanks for that reply.
My purpose is to get a script ( of sorts ) which will indicate the list of dependencies among the packages. This is for a term project in school.

I am currently looking at *.sty, parsing for the Requirepackage line to generate my dependency list. (i hope i am on the right track! (?) )

However, this won't prevent you from some package hacking the kernel which causes another incompatible package to crash.

One of the main purpose of the script is to report to the user a potential problem so that, he can take necessary actions.

Most of the "common" packages will list potential conflicts in their documentation so they are definitely worth reading.

I am quite new to LaTeX, so my definition/list of "common packages" is very limited.

In fact my next question is "how to find what are the common packages used in LaTeX?" Any hints on that front?

Thanks for the help,
Akshay

[5gon12eder]

At least for packages providing special symbols, have a look at Scott Pakin's great The Comprehensive LaTeX Symbol List. Not only it is a good reference on packages considered important, its own code also shows many problems (and solutions!) associated with these packages.

Best