foo2slx-wrapper

foo2slx-wrapper [options]

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    Read PostScript data from standard input.

foo2slx-wrapper is a command-line utility that acts as a wrapper around the Foomatic-RIP PostScript interpreter. Its primary purpose is to convert the output from Foomatic-RIP, which is typically a generic PostScript stream, into the SLX (SPL2) printer language, which is used by a variety of printers, especially those supported by the foo2zjs printer driver suite.

The command is often invoked automatically by the printing system (CUPS) during the printing process. It is generally not intended to be called directly by users. Instead, the printing system configures Foomatic-RIP to pipe its output through foo2slx-wrapper before sending the final result to the printer. This process enables printing of PostScript documents on printers that only understand the SPL2 language. The command applies specific transformations and optimizations to make the printing process compatible with the printer's capabilities. The main goal is to enable printing from standard document formats (like PDF or PostScript) with specific models where it isn't possible by default.

The command's efficiency and proper configuration are crucial for ensuring print quality and compatibility. Incorrect settings can result in garbled output or printing failures.

This command is highly dependent on the specific configuration of Foomatic-RIP and the printer driver. It is typically managed automatically by the printing system, and manual invocation is discouraged unless you have a deep understanding of the underlying printing pipeline. Debugging issues often requires examining the CUPS error logs and the Foomatic configuration files.

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) typically configures Foomatic-RIP to pipe its output to foo2slx-wrapper using a PPD file that specifies the appropriate filters. The PPD file instructs CUPS on how to process the print job before sending it to the printer. The foo2slx-wrapper command is specified as a filter in this chain.

When a print job is submitted, CUPS invokes Foomatic-RIP to render the PostScript content, and the output is automatically piped to foo2slx-wrapper for conversion to SPL2. The resulting SPL2 stream is then sent to the printer's device URI.

When encountering printing problems, check the CUPS error logs (/var/log/cups/error_log) for messages related to Foomatic-RIP or foo2slx-wrapper. These logs can provide valuable clues about the cause of the issue. You might need to increase the logging level in the CUPS configuration to get more detailed information.

It's also helpful to verify that the correct PPD file is being used and that the Foomatic configuration is appropriate for the specific printer model. You can experiment with different Foomatic options to try and resolve compatibility problems.

The foo2slx-wrapper command was developed as part of the foo2zjs printer driver project to provide support for printers that use the SPL2 language. It arose from the need to translate the generic PostScript output of Foomatic-RIP into a format that these printers could understand directly. The command has evolved over time to support different printer models and improve print quality. Its usage is tightly coupled with the Foomatic system and the CUPS printing architecture.

foo2zjs(1), foomatic-rip(1), cups(1)