source-highlight

TLDR

Highlight a source file to HTML

$ source-highlight -i [file.java] -o [file.html]

Highlight with automatic language detection

$ source-highlight [file.py]

Specify source language explicitly

$ source-highlight -s [cpp] -i [file.cc]

Output to a different format

$ source-highlight -f [latex] -i [file.c] -o [file.tex]

Highlight multiple files with pattern

$ source-highlight *.java

List supported languages

$ source-highlight --lang-list

List supported output formats

$ source-highlight --outlang-list

Highlight from stdin

$ cat [file.py] | source-highlight -s python

SYNOPSIS

source-highlight [options] [files]

source-highlight converts source code files to syntax-highlighted documents in various output formats. It reads language specifications dynamically, making it easily extensible for new programming languages without recompilation.
The tool supports numerous programming languages including C, C++, Java, Python, Perl, Ruby, Shell, and many more. Output formats include HTML, XHTML, LaTeX, ANSI terminal escape sequences, and others.
When processing multiple files using wildcards, output filenames are automatically generated by appending the appropriate extension. The tool can also be used as a CGI script for web-based highlighting or integrated with less for automatic syntax highlighting when viewing source files.

PARAMETERS

-i, --input file

Input file. Default: stdin.

-o, --output file

Output file. Default: stdout or input file with appropriate extension.

-s, --src-lang lang

Source language. If not specified, guessed from file extension.

-f, --out-format format

Output format (html, xhtml, latex, texinfo, ansi, odt, etc.).

--style-file file

Style file for highlighting colors and styles.

--lang-list

List all supported source languages.

--outlang-list

List all supported output formats.

--lang-def file

Use custom language definition file.

--outlang-def file

Use custom output language definition file.

-n, --line-number[=padding]

Add line numbers with optional padding width.

--tab n

Set tab width (default: 8).

--title string

Set document title.

--css file

Use CSS file for HTML output.

-d, --doc

Create a standalone document.

-h, --help

Display help information.

-V, --version

Display version information.

CAVEATS

Requires the Boost regex library. Language detection depends on file extensions; use -s for files with non-standard extensions. Custom language and style definitions require familiarity with the definition file format. ANSI output may not display correctly in all terminals.

HISTORY

GNU Source-highlight was created by Lorenzo Bettini and first released in 1999. It was developed as a flexible, extensible syntax highlighting tool that could support new languages without recompilation. The project is part of the GNU Project and is distributed under the GNU General Public License. Development has continued with support for new languages and output formats.