Introduction

This guide explains some features of -pic version 2 that are related to diagram typesetting – newer features are described in the reference manual [#!R94:XY-picRM!#] (some are mentioned in italicised comments). It assumes that you have some experience in using TEX for typesetting mathematics, , have studied [#!K84:TeXbook!#, ch. 16–19], [#!L94:LaTeX!#, sec. 3.3], or [#!S90:JoyT!#].

The first section describes what you need to get started. Section ??[arrows] and ??[entries] explain advanced use of arrows and entries, respectively. Section ??[avail] explains where and under what conditions -pic is available and points to further information. Throughout we give exercises that you should be able to solve as you go along; all exercises are answered at the end, just prior to the bibliography.