Install `citeproc` Instead Of `pandoc-citeproc` When Latter Required

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Introduction

In the world of package management, dependencies can sometimes become a source of frustration. This is especially true when a hard dependency requires a system package that is superseded by a newer alternative. In this case, we're dealing with the pandoc-citeproc package, which is required by one of our hard dependencies, but is no longer the recommended solution due to the existence of citeproc. This has led to intermittent failures in our GitHub Actions, causing us to seek a solution. In this article, we'll explore the issue and provide guidance on how to migrate from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc.

Understanding the Issue

The problem arises from the fact that one of our hard dependencies requires pandoc-citeproc as a system dependency. However, pandoc-citeproc is no longer the recommended solution, as it has been superseded by citeproc. This has led to a situation where our GitHub Actions fail intermittently, causing us to seek a solution.

The Role of pandoc-citeproc and citeproc

Before we dive into the solution, let's take a brief look at the roles of pandoc-citeproc and citeproc.

  • pandoc-citeproc: This package is a system package that is required by one of our hard dependencies. However, it is no longer the recommended solution due to the existence of citeproc.
  • citeproc: This package is the recommended solution for citation processing and is a replacement for pandoc-citeproc.

Migrating from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc

To resolve the issue, we need to migrate from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc. This involves the following steps:

Step 1: Install citeproc

The first step is to install citeproc using the following command:

install.packages("citeproc")

Step 2: Update the DESCRIPTION File

Next, we need to update the DESCRIPTION file to reflect the change from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc. This involves updating the Depends field to include citeproc instead of pandoc-citeproc.

Step 3: Update the R Code

Finally, we need to update the R code to use citeproc instead of pandoc-citeproc. This involves updating the code to use the citeproc package instead of pandoc-citeproc.

Example Use Case

Here's an example use case that demonstrates how to migrate from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc:

# Install citeproc
install.packages("citeproc")

# Update the DESCRIPTION file
# ...

# Update the R code
library(citeproc)

# Use citeproc to process citations
citations <- c("Author1", "Author2")
bibliography <- c("Bibliography1", "Bibliography2")
citeproc(citations, bibliography)

Conclusion

In conclusion, migrating from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc is a straightforward process that involves installing citeproc, updating the DESCRIPTION file, and updating the R code. By following these steps, we can resolve the issue of intermittent GitHub Actions failures and ensure that our package is up-to-date and functional.

Additional Information

We would like to thank the maintainers of the citeproc package for their hard work and dedication to providing a high-quality package. We are grateful for their efforts in creating a package that is easy to use and provides a lot of value to users.

References

Acknowledgments

Q: What is the main difference between pandoc-citeproc and citeproc?

A: The main difference between pandoc-citeproc and citeproc is that pandoc-citeproc is a system package that is required by one of our hard dependencies, while citeproc is the recommended solution for citation processing and is a replacement for pandoc-citeproc.

Q: Why do I need to migrate from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc?

A: You need to migrate from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc because pandoc-citeproc is no longer the recommended solution due to the existence of citeproc. This has led to a situation where your GitHub Actions fail intermittently, causing you to seek a solution.

Q: How do I install citeproc?

A: To install citeproc, you can use the following command:

install.packages("citeproc")

Q: How do I update the DESCRIPTION file to reflect the change from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc?

A: To update the DESCRIPTION file, you need to update the Depends field to include citeproc instead of pandoc-citeproc.

Q: How do I update the R code to use citeproc instead of pandoc-citeproc?

A: To update the R code, you need to update the code to use the citeproc package instead of pandoc-citeproc.

Q: What are the benefits of using citeproc instead of pandoc-citeproc?

A: The benefits of using citeproc instead of pandoc-citeproc include:

  • Improved citation processing
  • Enhanced functionality
  • Better support for citation styles

Q: Can I still use pandoc-citeproc if I don't want to migrate to citeproc?

A: No, you cannot still use pandoc-citeproc if you don't want to migrate to citeproc. pandoc-citeproc is no longer the recommended solution due to the existence of citeproc.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues related to migrating from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc?

A: To troubleshoot issues related to migrating from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc, you can:

  • Check the DESCRIPTION file to ensure that it is updated correctly
  • Verify that the R code is updated correctly to use citeproc instead of pandoc-citeproc
  • Consult the documentation for citeproc to ensure that you are using it correctly

Q: Can I get help if I'm having trouble migrating from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc?

A: Yes, you can get help if you're having trouble migrating from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc. You can:

  • Consult the documentation for citeproc
  • Reach out to the maintainers of the citeproc package for assistance
  • Join online communities related to citeproc to ask for help

Conclusion

In conclusion, migrating from pandoc-citeproc to citeproc is a straightforward process that involves installing citeproc, updating the DESCRIPTION file, and updating the R code. By following these steps, you can resolve the issue of intermittent GitHub Actions failures and ensure that your package is up-to-date and functional. If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to reach out.