---
name: "xfpt"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "xfpt"
version: "1.00-3"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/xfpt"
---

# xfpt(1)

make XML from plain text

## NAME

xfpt - make XML from plain text

## SYNOPSIS

**xfpt \[options\] \[source file\]**

## DESCRIPTION

**xfpt** converts a marked up text file to XML. The markup is simple and consists of lines that begin with a dot ("directive lines") and sequences in the text that begin with an ampersand ("flags"). The flag sequences are not built-in, but are defined by directives. As well as the in-built directives, macros can be used to implement higher level concepts. A standard set of macros  and flags that generate DocBook XML is provided. There is a full description in the **xfpt** specification, which is distributed as a PDF file, an HTML file,  and as **xfpt** source.

## OPTIONS

- **-help** or **--help**

  This causes **xfpt** to output its "usage" information and then exit.

- **-o** *file*

  This specifies the output file. The default is the standard output if no source  file is given, and the source file name with a *.xml* extension otherwise.

- **-S** *directory*

  This specifies an alternative "share" directory in which to find standard  configuration files.

- **-v** or **--version**

  Output the **xfpt** version and exit.

## AUTHOR

Philip Hazel\
 Retired from University Computing Service\
 Cambridge, England.

Last updated: 08 March 2023\
 Copyright (c) 2023 University of Cambridge.