[Tex/LaTex] How to check/debug a .cls file

debuggingdocumentclass-writing

I am editing a .cls file in order to customize the output of a particular document. However, I am occasionally coming up against errors. Is it possible to check that my .cls file is valid (i.e. no hanging "{")? Is there a decent way to debug edits to a .cls file?

If possible, please suggest some open source tools available for Windows.

Best Answer

  1. syntonly.sty is useful for typesetting your file faster and checking if it has syntax errors. 

    \RequirePackage{syntonly}
\syntaxonly

  2. Use an editor with proper syntax highlighting and parenthesis matching!

  3. If all else fails, follow the advice here: http://www.tex.ac.uk/cgi-bin/texfaq2html?label=erroradvice.

Quoting TeX itself: Pretend that you're Hercule Poirot: Examine all clues.

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