[R-pkg-devel] Appropriate usage of 'Suggests' -- package installed conditional on other software not found

[Michael Dewey]

Dear Charles

If your package prints a message to the user suggesting how to get a 
Latex installation then I do not think you need to do anything else. 
After all they could install Latex some other way if they pleased or try 
to work out why the installation they thought they had is not working.

Michael

On 03/10/2019 11:10, Driver, Charles wrote:
> I have a function that outputs / compiles some latex. To do this I use Sys.which('pdflatex') and if nothing is found, prompt the user whether to install tinytex package. So, normally I understand the use of 'Suggests' in the package description to be for when there are only certain functions / tests that require the package. In this case, the package requirement is also conditional on other software (ie a tex distribution) not being found, otherwise it is unnecessary. There are no tests or examples that depend on the package. Should tinytex be in the 'Suggests' list?
> 
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Charles
> 
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-- 
Michael
http://www.dewey.myzen.co.uk/home.html