Six Parts of a Texinfo File

Generally, a Texinfo file contains more than the minimal beginning and end--it usually contains six parts:

1. Header

The Header names the file, tells TeX which definitions' file to use, and performs other "housekeeping" tasks.

2. Summary Description and Copyright

The Summary Description and Copyright segment describes the document and contains the copyright notice and copying permissions for the Info file. The segment must be enclosed between @ifinfo and @end ifinfo commands so that the formatters place it only in the Info file.

3. Title and Copyright

The Title and Copyright segment contains the title and copyright pages and copying permissions for the printed manual. The segment must be enclosed between @titlepage and @end titlepage commands. The title and copyright page appear only in the printed manual.

4. `Top' Node and Master Menu

The Master Menu contains a complete menu of all the nodes in the whole Info file. It appears only in the Info file, in the `Top' node.

5. Body

The Body of the document may be structured like a traditional book or encyclopedia or it may be free form.

6. End

The End contains commands for printing indices and generating the table of contents, and the @bye command on a line of its own.