Question 1

How do I install libharu on Ubuntu Linux?

Accepted Answer

You can build it from source using CMake or included makefiles; ensure ZLIB and PNGLIB are installed first for full feature support. Check the INSTALL file in the repository for detailed instructions.

Question 2

Does libharu support creating PDF forms or interactive elements?

Accepted Answer

No, libharu focuses on basic PDF generation like text, images, and annotations, but lacks support for interactive features such as forms or embedded JavaScript.

Question 3

Libharu vs PDFlib: which one should I choose for C projects?

Accepted Answer

Libharu is free and open-source with good cross-platform support, but PDFlib is a commercial library with more features, active maintenance, and better documentation. Choose libharu for cost-sensitive projects, PDFlib for advanced needs.

Question 4

How to embed a TrueType font in a PDF using libharu?

Accepted Answer

Use the HPDF_LoadTTFontFromFile function or similar API calls; the library supports embedding TrueType fonts, but you need to handle font metrics and encoding manually for complex cases.

Question 5

Is libharu still actively maintained or updated?

Accepted Answer

The README shows copyright up to 2009 and minimal recent activity, suggesting it's a stable but older library with limited modern updates or community engagement.

Question 6

Can I use libharu with Python or other scripting languages?

Accepted Answer

Not directly; official bindings are only for Ruby, Delphi, and C#, so you'd need to create custom wrappers or use third-party solutions, which can be cumbersome.

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