[tex-live] Conflicting binary/format names: platex is polish and japanese

[Staszek Wawrykiewicz]

On Tue, 20 Feb 2007, Akira Kakuto wrote:

> > there are two TeX formats that use the name "platex", the Japanese ptex
> > project as well as PLaTeX, a LaTeX with preloaded polish settings and
> > fonts.  Debian GNU/Linux now has packages for both, but they cannot be
> > installed and used at the same time: Both use a symlink platex (once to
> > ptex, once to pdftex), and both want to load platex.fmt.
> > 
> > Even on single-user-systems people might want to have installed both
> > (polish scientists working about Japan, or the other way round), but on
> > large multi-user installations (e.g. at universities) it might be even
> > more needed.
> > 
> > What do you think about that?  Should both rename their formats?  
> 
> I think platex by ASCII corp. is too famous and too prevailing in
> Japan to rename into the other name.
> I understand the situation may be the same for Polish platex.
> I have no idea.

Hmm, I reported that problem some years ago, but failed to receive any 
answer...
1. ptex (and Japanese platex) is not available on CTAN
2. that has never been a part of teTeX
3. Polish platex package (and format) has been available on teTeX for ~10 
   years (or perhaps more). It is also available on CTAN. 
4. I know that *some* Linux distributions added ptex to *changed* teTeX, 
   but unfortunatelly without rethinking things. Sorry, both Thomas and me
   cannot care what silly things people can do.

Of course I would be happy if we can find any consent for future 
distributions.

Kind regards,

-- 
Staszek Wawrykiewicz
StaW at gust.org.pl