Recommended build system for latex? [closed]

Question

I'm trying to figure out the best build system for latex.

Currently, I use latex-makefile, editing in vim, and viewing changes in Okular or gv. The major problem is that it sometimes gets hides errors on me, and I have to run latex manually. The major advantages are that it does all the iteration I need, and offers both pdf and ps simply.

If you have experience with

• latex-mk
• vim-latex
• kile
• lyx
• miktex
• latex-makefile
• the ultimate latex makefile
• rubber
• any others I havent come across

Would you recommend them, and why/why not?

Answer 1

I've just tried out latexmk. If you do

latexmk -pvc file.tex  

Then it will auto preview (DVI by default).

• Handles dependencies
• DVI, ps or pdf
• Iterates fine.
• Very configurable, see man latexmk

Downsides:

• It doesnt condense errors, which isnt hugely useful (workaround: use rubber-info separately)
• Bug in the man file: "Sometimes a viewer (gv) tries to read an updated .ps or .pdf file after its creation is started but before the file is complete. Work around: manually refresh (or reopen) display.". It would be better if it built it via a temporary .pdf file to avoid this.
• Not hugely user friendly.