Not off-topic: Wrong couple divorced after computer error by law firm Vardag's

[Steve Litt]

Jonathan Fine said on Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:00:11 +0100

>This is particularly important to us because Don Knuth intended (and
>succeeded) in making TeX archival.

Is "archival" the word you're looking for? The most archival format I
can think of is the typed or printed word on acid free paper laminated
and stamped for authenticity and stored in a fireproof safe, with
backup copies stored elsewhere.

Is what you meant "write once, read everywhere"? By that I mean perhaps
Donald Knuth wanted TeX to store enough information to write HTML, XML,
HTML that's well formed XML, Docbook, PDF, and any other formats coming
down the pike.

I think "archival" implies not only lasting a long time, but being
impervious to alterations.

SteveT

Steve Litt 

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