Gretl Manual: Gnu Regression, Econometrics and Time-series Library
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# Auxiliary programs

As mentioned above, `gretl` calls some other programs to accomplish certain tasks (gnuplot for graphing, LaTeX for high-quality typesetting of regression output, GNU R). If something goes wrong with such external links, it is not always easy to produce an informative error message window. If such a link fails when accessed from the `gretl` graphical interface, you may be able to get more information by starting `gretl` from the command prompt (e.g. from an xterm under the X window system, or from a "DOS box" under MS Windows, in which case type `gretlw32.exe`), rather than via a desktop menu entry or icon. Additional error messages may be displayed on the terminal window.

Also please note that for most external calls, `gretl` assumes that the programs in question are available in your "path" — that is, that they can be invoked simply via the name of the program, without supplying the program's full location.[1] Thus if a given program fails, try the experiment of typing the program name at the command prompt, as shown below.

System | Graphing | Typesetting | GNU R
--- | --- | --- | ---
X window system | gnuplot | latex, xdvi | R
MS Windows | wgnuplot.exe | latex, windvi | RGui.exe

If the program fails to start from the prompt, it's not a `gretl` issue but rather that the program's home directory is not in your path, or the program is not installed (properly). For details on modifying your path please see the documentation or online help for your operating system or shell.

### Notes

[1] | The exception to this rule is the invocation of gnuplot under MS Windows, where a full path to the program is given.

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