Asciidoctor - Detailed Review
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Asciidoctor - Detailed Review Contents
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Asciidoctor - Product Overview
Introduction to Asciidoctor
Asciidoctor is a fast, open-source text processor and publishing tool that converts AsciiDoc markup into various output formats. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
Asciidoctor’s main function is to parse AsciiDoc markup and convert it into multiple output formats such as HTML 5, DocBook 5, manual pages, PDF, and EPUB 3. This makes it a versatile tool for creating documentation, articles, books, and more.Target Audience
The target audience for Asciidoctor includes technical writers, developers, and anyone who needs to create user-facing documentation. It is particularly useful for those who want to produce documentation in multiple formats without the hassle of manually converting between them. The tool is especially beneficial for software developers and technical teams who need to document their projects efficiently.Key Features
Markup and Syntax
Asciidoctor uses the AsciiDoc markup language, which is simple and intuitive. It does not require special markup for paragraph text, and structural elements like sections, tables, and admonitions are easily defined using clear and readable syntax.Output Formats
Asciidoctor supports a wide range of output formats, including HTML 5, DocBook 5, manual pages, PDF, and EPUB 3. Additional converters for other formats can be added via separate gems.Customization
The tool allows for extensive customization through custom converters and templates. Users can have full control over the output by using the template converter or the Asciidoctor API.Attributes and Conditions
Asciidoctor supports attributes and conditions, enabling the creation of intelligent documents that can adapt to different readers’ needs. Attributes help keep information consistent throughout the document, making it easier to manage and update.Integration and Extensions
Asciidoctor integrates with various tools and environments, including Ruby, JVM (via AsciidoctorJ), and JavaScript (via Asciidoctor.js). It also supports integrations with tools like Font Awesome, highlight.js, and MathJax, enhancing the output with features like source highlighting and STEM processing. In summary, Asciidoctor is a powerful and flexible tool for creating and publishing documentation in multiple formats, making it an essential tool for technical writers and developers. Asciidoctor - User Interface and Experience
User Interface and Experience of Asciidoctor
The user interface and experience of Asciidoctor, particularly in the context of developer tools, are shaped by its command-line interface, integration with various development environments, and the simplicity of the AsciiDoc markup language.Command-Line Interface
Asciidoctor itself does not have a native graphical user interface (GUI); it is typically used through the command line. This can be managed within a terminal or through integrated development environments (IDEs) that support command-line operations. For example, you can use Asciidoctor within Visual Studio Code by installing the “AsciiDoc by Asciidoctor” extension, which allows you to preview and convert AsciiDoc files directly within the IDE.Integration with IDEs
Asciidoctor integrates well with popular IDEs such as Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, and Atom. These integrations provide features like syntax highlighting, live previews, and the ability to export documents to various formats (HTML, PDF, etc.) directly from the IDE. This integration enhances the user experience by providing a seamless workflow for writing, editing, and converting AsciiDoc files.AsciiDoc Markup Language
The AsciiDoc language itself is designed to be human-readable and easy to write. It uses minimal markup tags, making it simple for users to focus on the content rather than the formatting. The syntax is intuitive and follows plain-text conventions, allowing users to quickly understand and use it even without prior experience. This readability and simplicity make AsciiDoc documents easy to write, read, and edit using any text editor.Ease of Use
The ease of use of Asciidoctor is largely due to the straightforward nature of the AsciiDoc language. Users can write documents in a plain-text editor and then convert them into various output formats using simple commands. The live preview feature available in some IDEs and dedicated tools like adoc Studio further enhances the user experience by providing immediate feedback on how the document will look in its final form.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with Asciidoctor is centered around simplicity and flexibility. Users can work on their documents in a familiar text editor environment and leverage the tool’s capabilities to generate high-quality output in multiple formats. The community-driven nature of Asciidoctor, with extensive documentation and a range of tools and plugins, ensures that users have the support they need to effectively use the tool. While the command-line interface may present a learning curve for non-developers, the integrations with IDEs and dedicated tools like adoc Studio make it more accessible and user-friendly.Summary
In summary, Asciidoctor’s user interface is primarily command-line based but is significantly enhanced by its integration with various IDEs and the simplicity of the AsciiDoc markup language. This combination makes it a user-friendly and efficient tool for creating and managing documentation. Asciidoctor - Key Features and Functionality
Asciidoctor Overview
Asciidoctor is a powerful, open-source text processor that offers a range of features and functionalities, making it a valuable tool in the Developer Tools category. Here are the main features and how they work:Parsing and Conversion
Asciidoctor parses AsciiDoc markup and converts it into various output formats such as HTML 5, DocBook 5, manual pages, PDF, and EPUB 3. This is achieved through built-in converters for HTML 5, DocBook 5, and man pages, with additional converters available for other formats like PDF and EPUB 3 via separate gems.Multiple Interfaces: CLI and API
Asciidoctor provides two primary interfaces:Command Line Interface (CLI)
This is designed for non-programmers and automated environments. It allows users to convert AsciiDoc files using simple commands. For example, the command `$ asciidoctor README.adoc` converts the `README.adoc` file to HTML.Application Programming Interface (API)
This is for programmers who want to integrate AsciiDoc processing into their applications. The API allows for converting documents, extracting or modifying content, and customizing the output. It is accessible in Ruby, JVM languages via AsciidoctorJ, and JavaScript via Asciidoctor.js.Ecosystem of Extensions and Tools
Asciidoctor has a rich ecosystem of extensions, converters, build plugins, and tools. These include:Add-on Converters
Allow conversion to additional formats like Reveal.js slides, LaTeX, and more.Extended Syntax
Extensions like Asciidoctor Diagram enable the creation of diagrams directly from plain text within AsciiDoc documents.Build Plugins
Integrate with other tools and environments to enhance the writing and publishing experience.Integrated Writing and Preview Environments
Browser extensions can convert AsciiDoc files to HTML on the fly, allowing users to preview the content without running commands.Customization and Control
Asciidoctor offers significant customization options:Custom Converters
Users can create custom converters to handle specific output formats.Templates
The template converter allows users to supply Tilt-supported template files to handle converting any node in the document.Safe Modes
Different safe modes (`:secure`, `:server`, `:safe`) control the level of security and feature availability during the conversion process.Built-in Integrations
Asciidoctor comes with several built-in integrations that enhance the output:Font Awesome
For icons.Highlight.js, Rouge, and Pygments
For source code highlighting.MathJax
For STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) processing. These integrations provide a polished and functional HTML output without additional configuration.AI Integration
While Asciidoctor itself does not explicitly integrate AI technologies, its extensibility and customization options allow developers to incorporate AI-driven tools and services into their workflows. For example, developers could use AI for automated content generation, advanced syntax checking, or enhancing the readability of the output. However, there is no direct AI integration built into Asciidoctor as of the current information available.Conclusion
In summary, Asciidoctor is a versatile tool that offers a wide range of features and customization options, making it highly adaptable to various documentation and publishing needs. Its extensibility and multiple interfaces ensure it can be integrated into diverse development environments. Asciidoctor - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Asciidoctor is known for its impressive performance. It is significantly faster than its predecessor, AsciiDoc.py, converting a 100K AsciiDoc document in about a tenth of a second, which is more than 100 times faster than AsciiDoc.py.
However, there are some scenarios where performance can be impacted. For instance, when integrating Asciidoctor with other tools like Hugo, the communication between the two can introduce slowdowns. This is not necessarily due to Asciidoctor itself but rather how it is integrated. Running Asciidoctor in batch mode can mitigate this issue, as it is faster than spawning a new Asciidoctor process per file.
Accuracy
Asciidoctor is highly accurate in converting AsciiDoc markup into various output formats such as HTML 5, DocBook 5, man pages, PDF, and EPUB 3. It provides a reliable and consistent output, thanks to its built-in converters and the ability to customize the output using templates or add-on converters.
Built-in Converters and Customization
Asciidoctor comes with built-in converters for HTML 5, DocBook 5, and man pages. Additional converters for formats like PDF and EPUB 3 are available through separate gems. This flexibility ensures that the output is accurate and can be tailored to specific needs. The API and CLI interfaces allow for extensive customization, enabling developers to have full control over the output.
Security
Asciidoctor also prioritizes security, offering several safe modes that prevent the processor from accessing sensitive files or the file system in highly secure environments. This ensures that the tool can be safely used in server-side deployments.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
One of the limitations mentioned is the performance impact when Asciidoctor is integrated with other tools, such as Hugo. This can be addressed by optimizing the integration process or running Asciidoctor in batch mode.
Another area for improvement is the dependency on Ruby, which can be a bottleneck for some users. While Asciidoctor can be executed on a JVM using AsciidoctorJ or in JavaScript environments using Asciidoctor.js, some users have suggested the need for a faster implementation, possibly in other languages like Go.
User Feedback and Community
Asciidoctor has an active community and encourages feedback. Users can contribute by reporting bugs, suggesting new features, and writing or editing documentation. This community involvement helps in continuously improving the tool.
Conclusion
In summary, Asciidoctor is a fast, accurate, and highly customizable tool for converting AsciiDoc markup. While it has some integration challenges and dependencies on Ruby, it offers strong performance and security features, making it a reliable choice for developer tools.
Asciidoctor - Pricing and Plans
Free and Open-Source
Asciidoctor is completely free to use, as it is an open-source project. This means you can download, install, and use it without any cost.Installation and Availability
Asciidoctor can be installed on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, using different package managers or by installing the Ruby gem. It is also available as a Docker image.Community and Contributions
The project relies on community contributions for its development, documentation, and maintenance. Anyone can contribute by reporting bugs, suggesting new features, writing or editing documentation, or writing code.No Commercial Plans or Tiers
Since Asciidoctor is open-source, there are no commercial plans or tiers. All features and functionalities are available to everyone without any additional cost.Summary
In summary, Asciidoctor is a free, open-source tool with no pricing structure or different tiers, making it accessible to everyone. Asciidoctor - Integration and Compatibility
=== Asciidoctor Overview Asciidoctor, a versatile and powerful text processor, integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and is compatible across multiple platforms, making it a highly versatile option for documentation and content creation. === Platform Compatibility Asciidoctor operates on a range of operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is officially tested on Ubuntu and Fedora, but the community also tests it on various other Linux distributions. === Ruby and JVM Support Asciidoctor requires a Ruby implementation, such as Ruby (version 2.3 or later), JRuby (version 9.1 or later), or TruffleRuby (version 20.2 or later). This flexibility allows it to run on different environments, including those using a JVM through AsciidoctorJ. === Cross-Platform Tools For users who prefer a graphical interface over the command line, AsciidocFX is a cross-platform editor written in Java and JavaFX. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring a consistent experience across different platforms. AsciidocFX supports live real-time previewing, multi-format output, and additional functionality through extensions like PlantUML, Mermaid, and MathJax. === Integration with Other Tools Asciidoctor provides an API that allows integration with other software, including Ruby applications like Rails, as well as integration with GitHub and GitLab. It can also be used in JavaScript environments via Asciidoctor.js. This API enables the conversion of AsciiDoc files to various formats such as HTML, DocBook, and man pages, with additional converters available for PDF and EPUB 3. === Extensions and Plugins Asciidoctor has a rich ecosystem of extensions and plugins that enhance its functionality. These include extensions for embedding diagrams (PlantUML, Graphviz, ditaa), generating sequence diagrams, visualizing tree-like structures, and integrating with tools like Cucumber for Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) living documentation. === Encoding and System Requirements To ensure smooth operation, Asciidoctor assumes UTF-8 encoding. Users are recommended to set their system’s default encoding to UTF-8 to avoid encoding issues, especially in non-English Windows environments. In summary, Asciidoctor’s compatibility and integration capabilities make it a highly adaptable tool for documentation needs across various platforms and environments, supported by a wide range of extensions and tools.
Asciidoctor - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
When using Asciidoctor, you have several customer support options and additional resources available to help you effectively utilize the tool.Project Chat
The primary and preferred means of communication for getting help is the project chat on Zulip. Here, you can ask questions, share feedback, or exchange ideas with fellow community members in real-time. The chat is partitioned into channels, so you can join discussions that match your topic of interest or post a new topic in the `#users` channel.Issue Tracker
For reporting verifiable bugs, regressions, security vulnerabilities, or making specific change requests, use the issue tracker on GitHub. However, this is not a support portal, so questions about how to use the software should be directed to the project chat instead.Documentation and Guides
Asciidoctor provides extensive documentation on its website, including the AsciiDoc language documentation, a syntax quick reference, a writer’s guide, and style guides. These resources help you get started with writing in AsciiDoc and using the Asciidoctor toolchain. You can find detailed guides on converting AsciiDoc to various formats like HTML 5, PDF, EPUB 3, and more.Community Support
Engage with the community through the discussion list, although it has been deprecated in favor of the community chat. The community chat is where you can get real-time support from fellow users and project maintainers.Extensions and Tools
Asciidoctor has an ecosystem of extensions, converters, build plugins, and tools that can help you author and publish content. These include tools for creating diagrams, slide presentations, and integrating with other frameworks like reveal.js.Migration and Contribution Guides
If you are migrating from another tool, such as AsciiDoc.py, there are guides available to help you upgrade to Asciidoctor. Additionally, if you want to contribute code to the project, there is a detailed guide on how to submit your contributions.Conclusion
These resources ensure that you have comprehensive support and the necessary tools to effectively use Asciidoctor for your documentation needs. Asciidoctor - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Asciidoctor
Asciidoctor, an implementation of the AsciiDoc markup language, offers several significant advantages, particularly in the context of developer tools and technical documentation.Standardization and Consistency
Asciidoctor is part of the effort to standardize AsciiDoc, led by the Eclipse Foundation’s AsciiDoc Working Group. This standardization ensures consistency across different implementations and users.Structured Formatting
Asciidoctor excels in handling large, structured documents with features like sectioning, cross-referencing, and complex layouts. It is particularly useful for software development documentation, user manuals, and technical specifications where technical rigor and scalability are crucial.Multi-Format Output
Asciidoctor can convert AsciiDoc files into various formats such as HTML, PDF, ePub, and more, making it versatile for different publishing needs. This feature allows for single-source publishing, where a single document can generate multiple output formats with minimal reformatting.Integration with Development Tools
Asciidoctor integrates seamlessly with version control systems like Git and CI/CD pipelines, making it ideal for Docs-as-Code workflows. It also supports integration with IDEs such as Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, and Atom through plugins and extensions.Advanced Features
Asciidoctor includes built-in support for features like syntax highlighting, macros, and embedding code blocks within tables. It also integrates with tools like MathJax for mathematical expressions and highlight.js for syntax highlighting.Community and Extensibility
Asciidoctor benefits from a community-driven development process, ensuring continuous updates and relevance. It is flexible and extensible, allowing custom macros and integration with various tools to adapt to diverse documentation needs.Disadvantages of Asciidoctor
While Asciidoctor offers many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:Learning Curve
Asciidoctor has a unique syntax that, although generally easy to learn, can have some idiosyncrasies, such as the use of multiple leading asterisks for nested bulleted lists. This might require some time for new users to get accustomed to.Command Line Usage
Asciidoctor typically requires command line commands to convert documents, which can be a barrier for non-developers or those who prefer a more graphical interface. However, tools like adoc Studio and certain IDE extensions can mitigate this issue by providing a more user-friendly environment.Limited Native Application Support
Unlike some other tools, Asciidoctor does not have a native application and must be run through the terminal or integrated into an IDE. This can be less intuitive for users who are not comfortable with command line interfaces. In summary, Asciidoctor is a powerful tool for creating and managing technical documentation, offering strong features in structured formatting, multi-format output, and integration with development tools. However, it may present a learning curve and requires command line usage or integration with other tools for a more user-friendly experience. Asciidoctor - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Asciidoctor
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Asciidoctor can be executed on various environments, including Ruby, JVM (using AsciidoctorJ), and JavaScript environments (using Asciidoctor.js). This flexibility makes it versatile for different development setups.
- Extensive Output Formats: Asciidoctor supports a wide range of output formats, including HTML5, DocBook 5, man pages, PDF, EPUB 3, and more. The PDF converter, in particular, offers advanced features like direct AsciiDoc to PDF conversion, themable blocks, custom fonts, and full SVG support.
- Rich Ecosystem: Asciidoctor has a comprehensive ecosystem of extensions, converters, build plugins, and tools. This includes integrations with tools like Font Awesome, highlight.js, Rouge, and MathJax, which enhance the documentation experience.
- Customization and Theming: The PDF converter allows for a composable, configuration-driven theming system similar to basic CSS, enabling extensive customization of the output documents.
Potential Alternatives
Sphinx
- Sphinx is another popular tool for generating documentation, particularly for Python projects. While it is highly customizable and supports multiple output formats, it is more tightly integrated with Python and may not offer the same level of multi-platform compatibility as Asciidoctor.
- Sphinx has a strong focus on documentation for software projects and includes features like automatic generation of documentation from docstrings, but it may not match Asciidoctor’s breadth of output formats and ecosystem.
Markdown Processors (e.g., Pandoc)
- Tools like Pandoc process Markdown and other lightweight markup languages. While Pandoc is highly versatile and can convert between many formats, it lacks the specific AsciiDoc features and ecosystem that Asciidoctor provides.
- Pandoc is more general-purpose and does not have the same level of integration with tools like Font Awesome or MathJax out of the box.
DocBook Tools
- DocBook is an XML schema for writing technical documentation. Tools like DocBook XSL can convert DocBook XML to various formats. However, these tools typically require more markup and are less user-friendly than Asciidoctor’s plain text authoring format.
- While DocBook tools offer a lot of control, they can be more cumbersome to use compared to Asciidoctor’s simpler AsciiDoc syntax.
Conclusion
Asciidoctor stands out due to its flexibility, extensive output formats, and rich ecosystem of extensions and tools. For developers and writers who need a powerful, yet user-friendly, tool for generating technical documentation, Asciidoctor is a strong choice. However, depending on specific needs, such as tight integration with Python projects or general-purpose Markdown conversion, alternatives like Sphinx or Pandoc might be more suitable. Asciidoctor - Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Asciidoctor Differ from AsciiDoc?
Asciidoctor is a faster, more feature-rich version of the AsciiDoc markup language. It is designed for compatibility with AsciiDoc but offers additional features such as greater speed, support for more output formats (like HTML 5, DocBook 5, PDF, EPUB 3), and an ecosystem of extensions and converters.What Output Formats Does Asciidoctor Support?
Asciidoctor supports a variety of output formats, including HTML 5, DocBook 5, manual pages, PDF, EPUB 3, and others. Additional converters for formats like PDF and EPUB 3 are provided by separate gems.How Can I Customize the Output of Asciidoctor?
You can customize the output of Asciidoctor by using custom converters or the template converter. The template converter allows you to supply a Tilt-supported template file to handle converting any node in the document. This gives you full control over the generated output.What Are the Safe Modes in Asciidoctor?
Asciidoctor has several safe modes: `:secure`, `:safe`, and `:server`. The default safe mode is `:secure`, which disables several core features, including the `include` directive. You can set the safe mode to `:server` or `:safe` to enable these features.How Do I Get Help with Asciidoctor?
For help with Asciidoctor, you can use the project chat on Zulip, which is the preferred means of communication. You can ask questions, share feedback, or exchange ideas with fellow community members in real-time. For reporting bugs or making specific change requests, use the issue tracker on GitHub.What Are the Preferred Communication Channels for Asciidoctor?
The preferred communication channels include the project chat on Zulip for general questions and discussions, and the issue tracker on GitHub for reporting verifiable bugs, regressions, and security vulnerabilities. Social media platforms like Twitter can also be used to share experiences and promote Asciidoctor.How Do I Report Issues or Request Changes in Asciidoctor?
To report issues or request changes, use the issue tracker on GitHub. Ensure that your issue is specific, well-defined, and pertains to the relevant project (e.g., AsciidoctorJ for issues related to that project). Do not ask usage questions in the issue tracker; instead, direct them to the project chat.What Syntax Features Does Asciidoctor Offer?
Asciidoctor offers a richer set of built-in constructs compared to Markdown, including support for images, videos, tables, definition lists, and inline formatting. It also allows you to attach meta-data to elements and supports well-defined nesting of elements, such as delimiting general blocks similar to HTML divs.How Can I Contribute to Asciidoctor?
You can contribute to Asciidoctor by using prerelease versions, reporting bugs, suggesting new features, writing or editing documentation, writing code with tests, fixing typos, adding comments, cleaning up inconsistent whitespace, and refactoring code. Contributions are welcome through the project’s GitHub repository, and the contributing guide provides detailed information on how to contribute.What License Does Asciidoctor Use?
Asciidoctor is licensed under the MIT License. This allows for the free use, modification, and distribution of the software. Asciidoctor - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Asciidoctor
Asciidoctor is a powerful, open-source text processor that builds upon the AsciiDoc markup language, offering a range of features that make it an excellent choice for documentation and content creation.Key Features
- Compatibility and Speed: Asciidoctor is compatible with AsciiDoc but offers greater speed and additional features, making it a preferred option for those already familiar with AsciiDoc.
- Output Formats: It supports multiple output formats, including HTML 5, DocBook 5, manual pages, PDF, EPUB 3, and more. This versatility ensures that your content can be easily distributed across various platforms.
- Extensions and Plugins: Asciidoctor has a robust ecosystem of extensions, converters, build plugins, and tools. This allows for the addition of special charts, custom syntax, and domain-specific extensions, enhancing the functionality of your documentation.
- Ease of Use: The syntax of Asciidoctor is lightweight and natural, making it easy to write and edit content directly in plain text. This facilitates collaboration and keeps the focus on the content rather than the formatting.
- Structured Content: Asciidoctor enables the creation of reusable, structured content that can be mixed and matched to suit different devices, contexts, or situations. This structured content is meaningful and semantic, allowing for better management and presentation.
Who Would Benefit Most
Asciidoctor is particularly beneficial for:- Technical Writers and Documentation Teams: Those responsible for creating user-facing documentation will appreciate the ease of use, the variety of output formats, and the ability to maintain structured content.
- Developers: Developers can leverage Asciidoctor to generate high-quality documentation for their software projects, including `man` pages, HTML, PDF, and EPUB formats.
- Content Creators: Anyone looking to create reusable content that can be easily adapted for different formats and devices will find Asciidoctor invaluable.