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(kpathsea.info)Introduction

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Introduction
************

  This manual corresponds to version 3.3.7 of the Kpathsea library,
released in November 2001.

  The library's fundamental purpose is to return a filename from a list
of directories specified by the user, similar to what shells do when
looking up program names to execute.

  The following software, all of which we maintain, uses this library:

   * Dviljk (see the `dvilj' man page)

   * Dvipsk (Note: Introduction.)

   * GNU font utilities (Note: Introduction.)

   * Web2c (Note: Introduction.)

   * Xdvik (see the `xdvi' man page)

Other software that we do not maintain also uses it.

  We are still actively maintaining the library (and probably always
will be, despite our hopes).  If you have comments or suggestions,
please send them to us (Note: Reporting bugs).

  We distribute the library under the GNU Library General Public License
(LGPL).  In short, this means if you write a program using the library,
you must (offer to) distribute the source to the library, along with any
changes you have made, and allow anyone to modify the library source and
distribute their modifications.  It does not mean you have to distribute
the source to your program, although we hope you will.  See the files
`COPYING' and `COPYING.LIB' for the text of the GNU licenses.

  If you know enough about TeX to be reading this manual, then you (or
your institution) should consider joining the TeX Users Group (if
you're already a member, great!).  TUG produces the periodical
`TUGboat', sponsors an annual meeting and publishes the proceedings,
and arranges courses on TeX for all levels of users throughout the
world.  Anyway, here is the address:

     TeX Users Group
     P.O. Box 2311
     Portland OR 97208-2311
     USA
     phone: +1 503 223-9994
     fax:   +1 503 223-3960
     email: <tug@tug.org>

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