“asciidoctor” is a powerful processor designed to convert AsciiDoc files into a publishable format. AsciiDoc is a lightweight markup language used for authoring documents, similar to Markdown. Asciidoctor simplifies the process of transforming AsciiDoc files into various output formats, such as HTML, PDF, EPUB, and more, making it easier to create professional-looking and easily shareable documents.
Here are the key features and functionalities of asciidoctor:
- AsciiDoc to Publishable Formats: asciidoctor excels at converting AsciiDoc files to a wide range of publishable formats. It processes the structured AsciiDoc markup and generates output files in formats suitable for online publishing, documentation, or printing. Some common output formats include HTML for web-based content, PDF for printable documents, EPUB for e-books, and more.
- Document Styling and Formatting: asciidoctor allows users to apply various styling and formatting options to their documents. It supports customization of document layout, including page size, margins, headers, footers, and table of contents. Users can also apply themes and templates to enhance the visual appearance of the generated documents.
- Rich Document Structure: AsciiDoc files processed by asciidoctor can include a rich structure with hierarchical sections, headings, tables, lists, images, and code snippets. This helps authors organize their content in a logical manner and improve the readability and navigability of the resulting documents.
- Metadata and Cross-Referencing: asciidoctor enables the inclusion of metadata within AsciiDoc files. Authors can define document attributes, such as title, author, date, and copyright information, which can be automatically incorporated into the generated output. It also supports cross-referencing capabilities, allowing references to sections, figures, tables, and other elements within the document.
- Extensibility and Customization: asciidoctor offers extensibility features through plugins and extensions. Users can enhance the functionality of asciidoctor by adding custom extensions or integrating with other tools and frameworks. This flexibility allows authors to tailor the processing and output generation according to their specific requirements.
- Command-Line Interface and Integration: asciidoctor can be executed through the command-line interface, making it suitable for automation and integration with build systems or continuous integration workflows. It also integrates with popular text editors, IDEs, and content management systems, providing a seamless authoring experience.
- Active Community and Support: asciidoctor benefits from an active community of users and contributors. The community provides support, documentation, and a repository of plugins and extensions, making it easier for users to leverage the full potential of asciidoctor and address any issues or challenges they may encounter.
asciidoctor Command Examples
1. Convert a specific .adoc file to HTML (the default output format):
# asciidoctor /path/to/file.adoc
2. Convert a specific .adoc file to HTML and link a CSS stylesheet:
# asciidoctor -a stylesheet=/path/to/stylesheet.css /path/to/file.adoc
3. Convert a specific .adoc file to embeddable HTML, removing everything except the body:
# asciidoctor --embedded /path/to/file.adoc
4. Convert a specific .adoc file to a PDF using the asciidoctor-pdf library:
# asciidoctor --backend=pdf --require=asciidoctor-pdf /path/to/file.adoc
Summary
In summary, asciidoctor is a versatile processor that converts AsciiDoc files into publishable formats, such as HTML, PDF, EPUB, and more. With its support for document styling, rich structure, metadata, and cross-referencing, asciidoctor empowers authors to create professional and well-structured documents. Its extensibility, command-line interface, and integration capabilities make it a preferred choice for individuals and teams working with AsciiDoc to produce high-quality publications and documentation.