install-sgmlcatalog

install-sgmlcatalog catalog-file

catalog-file
    The path to the SGML/XML catalog file to be installed. This file must contain valid catalog entries.

The `install-sgmlcatalog` command is used to install SGML or XML catalog files into a standard location, making them available to applications that use SGML/XML processing tools. It typically updates system-wide catalog files like `/etc/sgml/catalog` or `/etc/xml/catalog` (the exact location might depend on the distribution and specific configuration). It primarily performs two key functions: it copies the specified catalog file to the appropriate directory, and it updates the system's main catalog file to include a reference to the newly installed catalog. This allows XML and SGML parsers to automatically find and use the installed catalog, enabling them to resolve entities and perform validation against the defined standards. Incorrectly using or modifying catalog files can lead to parsing errors in SGML/XML documents, so proper usage is crucial. The command often handles necessary steps like creating backup files and ensuring that appropriate permissions are set, preventing accidental modification and maintaining system stability. By installing catalogs, developers and administrators can centrally manage entity and URI resolution, improving the consistency and maintainability of their SGML/XML-based systems.

The exact location of the system-wide catalog file can vary depending on the distribution and system configuration. Incorrect use of this command, especially without proper permissions, could lead to system instability or broken XML/SGML parsing.

You usually need root privileges (e.g., using `sudo`) to execute `install-sgmlcatalog` because it modifies system-wide configuration files.

The `catalog-file` should follow the standard SGML/XML catalog format. Typically, it includes ENTITY and SYSTEM entries that map entity names or system identifiers to file locations or URIs.

The `install-sgmlcatalog` command was developed as part of the Debian SGML infrastructure to simplify the management of SGML/XML catalog files. Its purpose was to provide a standardized way to install and update system-wide catalogs, preventing conflicts and ensuring that applications could reliably find and use these catalogs. Over time, it has become a common tool in other Linux distributions as well, as SGML and XML technologies became more widespread.

xmlcatalog(1)