H2ps

Jul 20, 2023

Formats an ASCII file for printing on a postscript printer with Korean char

h2ps

h2ps formats each named file for printing in a postscript printer with embedded PS hangul fonts; if no file is given, h2ps reads from the standard input. The format used is nice and compact n1 to 10 pages on each physical page, headers with useful information page number, printing date, etc. This is very useful for making simple listings of Korean text.

It is relatively compact when comparing with nh2ps, and no need to another fonts or ghostscript. It can be printed with any PostScript printer only with english fonts because its fonts are embedded with output.


As a dedicated resource for FreeBSD enthusiasts, we always strive to provide the best information on how to effectively use and optimize different software tools in FreeBSD. Today, we will dive deep into h2ps, a useful FreeBSD port that often flies under the radar. This software utility falls under the category of Korean language tools and stands as a valuable asset.

First, let us clarify what h2ps is. H2ps is a Perl script that converts Hangul documents into PostScript. You may have already guessed, its most prominent feature is its ability to work with the Korean language, offering invaluable help in handling Hangul documents. It is highly esteemed, particularly by FreeBSD users, who regularly deal with Korean language documents.

Before we delve into its practical uses, let’s lay down the basics

To use this port on your FreeBSD machine, you need to install it first. Begin by navigating to the /usr/ports/korean/h2ps/ directory and type make install clean. It’s that simple. Now, you have installed h2ps on your system.

To test h2ps, try the command $ h2ps [input_file]. The system will then output a PostScript version of your Hangul document.

Beneficial Aspects of Using h2ps

In an environment laden with countless software utilities, h2ps distinguishes itself by accommodating the need for adept handling of Hangul documents and charting them into readable PostScript output.

It is worth noting that the PostScript format is a platform-independent file format specialized for high-quality output to print devices, supporting even the most complex page descriptions. If you need to deliver Hangul documents in a platform-agnostic and high-end presentation format, being proficient with h2ps will serve you well.

Here are some usage examples to illustrate its practical benefits

$ h2ps sample.txt
$ h2ps -o output.ps sample.txt  

The first command reads sample.txt and writes the converted PostScript output to standard output. The second one reads sample.txt and writes to output.ps.

Furthermore, you can also apply other settings before the conversion. For example, if you want to change the text size to 10, use

$ h2ps -s10 sample.txt

h2ps is a versatile tool due to its options to further customize your documents with headers, footers, landscape mode, and other customizable options.

When it comes to working with Korean on FreeBSD, h2ps is an indispensable tool due to its specific adaptability to handle Hangul.

Other Useful Ports in FreeBSD

For those with diverse needs in FreeBSD systems, there are plenty of other useful ports available. One such example is nmap, a versatile network exploration tool, and security/port scanner, known for its robust capacity [nmap]https//freebsdsoftware.org/security/nmap.html holds a significant place, particularly in the IT Security domain.

There’s also a compelling selection of software utilities for data management, web servers, text processing, and much more in FreeBSD’s extensive offerings. Each specialized software port enables you to tailor your FreeBSD system to your unique requirements.

Learning about the various FreeBSD ports and how to use them effectively can significantly optimize your system usage. Today’s focus on h2ps is part of that ongoing learning journey.

We hope you found this information about the h2ps port and its use in the FreeBSD context particularly useful. Keep an eye out for more blog posts on other FreeBSD ports, where we continue to explore this powerful operating system’s capabilities.


Checkout these related ports: