9

I'm wondering how to define a LaTeX command \x that prints "def1" when I write \x{name1}, reading from an external (dictionary) file having a structure like

{name1}{def1}
{name2}{def2}

etc.

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  • 1
    Welcome to TeX.SE. I assume you meant \x{name2}, right? If so, please correct. I would have but just wanted to make sure. Also, is modifying the external file an option? – Peter Grill Oct 18 '11 at 23:24
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If the external file dict.dat is organized as

\entry{name1}{def1}
\entry{name2}{def2}

then 

\newcommand{\entry}[2]{%
  \expandafter\newcommand\csname entry@#1\endcsname{#2}}
\newcommand{\x}[1]{\csname entry@#1\endcsname}
\input{dict.dat}

will do what you're looking for.

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  • Exactly what I needed! A big thank you Peter, for your prompt answer and for your corrections! – bblue Oct 19 '11 at 7:18
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    Perhaps adding error checking, such as \expandafter\ifx\csname entry@#1\endcsname\relax\ERROR\else\csname entry@#1\endcsname\fi would be nice. – Bruno Le Floch Oct 19 '11 at 7:21
  • @bblue: If this answers your question, you can check the ticker under the counter to accept it. – ℝaphink Oct 19 '11 at 9:18

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