[XeTeX] Loading fonts from a common server or http URL

[Keith J. Schultz]

Am 22.06.2011 um 10:36 schrieb Philip TAYLOR (Webmaster, Ret'd):

> 
> 
> Keith J. Schultz wrote:
> 
>> The problem is not the OS or "filing system". It is the programs.
>> 	1) If you have a remote server mounted all you need
>> 	     is the mount point plus the path to the file. Standard
>> 	     on all OSes I know.
> 
> I am not convinced that the CTAN backbone supports (or
> would want to support) "remote mounting".
	I doubt it either! But, it could be done on a local server or
	for a group which wishes to collaborate. Also, there could be
	read only mounts! Sorry, getting OT here!

> 
>> 	2) A program can open any/retrieve any file on a server
>> 	     using http. all it needs to do is speak http!
>> 
>> Technically this is not a problem.
> 
> Agreed.
> 
>> I believe XeTex et al. should be able to handle 1) without any problems.
> 
> See above !
>> 
>> 2) would require code to be added to retrieve the file, cache it, and access it
>> add throw it any when done. A waste of bandwidth in my opinion. There are
>> other cavets to consider.
> 
> In my opinion, this is the way of the future.  It is ludicrous
> that we all have to create our own virtual CTAN mirrors.  Far
> better to evolve a methodology that will, entirely transparently,
> use a local copy as first choice; fetch (via http) a remote copy
> and make it local, as second choice; and (3) offer a configuration
> option to check whether the remote copy is more recent than the
> local and if so, fetch it (and install it locally) automatically
> when that file is next required.
	Well, in a sense with tlmgr we already have this. Only,
	it is manual. Could write a cron script to run tlmgr to keep
	the system uptodate.

	Automatic downloads of missing parts, would require a major rewrite.
	There is no internal infrastructure in place for this kind of system.



> 
> A TeX Live installation should, IMVHO, start as small as possible
> and grow by accretion.  Bulk installs should be seen as yesterday's
> technology, install-on-first-demand as the way of the future.
	 I agree that it would be a nice feature, especially in the light 
	of tablets with their minimal storage capacities.

	On my laptop I am happy having a full installation.
	Do not need to worry, if I have net access.

regards
	Keith.