Should I use packages when writing a class

Question

I am trying to write a class based on the book class (a thesis class for my department).

My question is: is it bad for some reason (or, is it considered bad) to use packages in the class files instead of more primitive TeX / LaTeX commands? For example, should I use the geometry package or the relevant primitive commands?

score 17 · Accepted Answer · edited Mar 08 '13 at 22:06

17

In my opinion it is very good style to include packages. Developing an own class and loading packages via \RequirePackage may hide a lot of stuff irrelevant to users, especially to newbies.

It makes no sense to include the plain macros from style files. Any change or bugfix in the underlying style would need to be included manually in your class as well, so it could be a lot of work.

edited Mar 08 '13 at 22:06

barbara beeton

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answered Mar 08 '13 at 21:39

Uwe Ziegenhagen

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Should I use packages when writing a class

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