# Skribe

> document production tool written by Manuel Serrano for Bigloo and ported to STkLos by Érick Gallesio; started around 2003 as a successor of Scribe

**Wikidata**: [Q101111433](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101111433)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/skribe

## Summary
Skribe is a functional document authoring system and documentation generator written by Manuel Serrano. Originally developed for the Bigloo programming scheme, it was ported to STkLos by Érick Gallesio. Started around 2003, Skribe serves as the successor to Scheme Scribe.

## Key Facts
- **Creation**: Started around 2003 by Manuel Serrano.
- **Type**: Classified as a functional programming language, a document authoring system, a documentation generator, and free software.
- **Predecessor**: Replaces "Scheme Scribe."
- **Technical Foundation**: Based on Q187560; written for Bigloo and ported to STkLos.
- **Contributors**: Written by Manuel Serrano; ported to STkLos by Érick Gallesio.
- **Version History**: Version 1.2l was released on December 1, 2008.
- **License**: Distributed as free software.
- **Website**: https://www-sop.inria.fr/mimosa/fp/Skribe/
- **Documentation**: User manual available at https://www-sop.inria.fr/mimosa/fp/Skribe/doc/user.html

## FAQs
### Q: What type of software is Skribe?
A: Skribe is a document production tool and documentation generator that is also classified as a functional programming language. It is used to create documents using programming principles.

### Q: Who created Skribe and when?
A: Skribe was written by Manuel Serrano and started around 2003. It was later ported to STkLos by Érick Gallesio.

### Q: What is the relationship between Skribe and Scribe?
A: Skribe is the successor to Scheme Scribe.

### Q: Is Skribe free to use?
A: Yes, Skribe is classified as free software, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

## Why It Matters
Skribe represents a specialized approach to document production by bridging the gap between authoring and programming. Unlike standard word processors or static markup languages, Skribe operates as a functional programming language, allowing authors to programmatically define and generate documents. This capability makes it particularly powerful for technical documentation where consistency, automation, and complex structural requirements are necessary.

Its development for Bigloo (a Scheme compiler) and subsequent port to STkLos underscores its utility within the Scheme programming community. By succeeding Scheme Scribe, it offered an evolution in tools for developers who needed to integrate documentation closely with their codebases. As free software, it provides an accessible, open solution for developers prioritizing extensible and programmable document generation.

## Notable For
- Being a **document authoring system** that functions simultaneously as a **functional programming language**.
- Serving as the direct **successor to Scheme Scribe**.
- **Cross-platform compatibility** within the Scheme ecosystem, targeting both **Bigloo** and **STkLos**.
- **Programmatic document generation**, allowing for the automation of document structure and content via code.

## Body
### Development and Origins
Skribe was initiated around 2003 by Manuel Serrano. It was designed as a robust tool for document production, intended to improve upon the capabilities of its predecessor, Scheme Scribe. While originally written for Bigloo, the system was subsequently ported to STkLos by Érick Gallesio, expanding its usability within different Scheme environments.

### Technical Classification
Skribe is unique in that it is not merely a text formatter but is formally classified as a functional programming language. This design allows users to leverage programming concepts—such as functions and variables—to construct documents. It falls under the broader categories of document authoring systems and documentation generators.

### Availability and Resources
Skribe is distributed as free software. The project is hosted by Inria (French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology).
- **Website**: The official project site is located at `https://www-sop.inria.fr/mimosa/fp/Skribe/`.
- **Documentation**: A comprehensive user manual is publicly available at `https://www-sop.inria.fr/mimosa/fp/Skribe/doc/user.html`.
- **Versioning**: A specific version, 1.2l, was recorded with a release date of December 2008.

## References

1. [Source](https://www-sop.inria.fr/mimosa/fp/Skribe/)