Getting Started

What Are .tex, .bib, .cls, .sty Files in LaTeX?

LaTeX projects contain multiple file types. Understanding each helps you work with templates and debug problems.

Main File Types

Files you'll work with directly:

.tex - Your document source code
       Write your content here

.bib - Bibliography database
       Store your references here

.pdf - Compiled output
       Final document for sharing

Template/Style Files

Files that control formatting:

.cls - Document class file
       Defines document type (article, book, thesis)
       Example: IEEEtran.cls, report.cls

.sty - Style/package file
       Adds features or customizations
       Example: hyperref.sty, geometry.sty
       
% You rarely edit these - just use them:
\documentclass{IEEEtran}
\usepackage{hyperref}

Generated Files

Files LaTeX creates (can delete):

.aux - Cross-reference data
.log - Compilation log/errors
.bbl - Processed bibliography
.blg - BibTeX log
.toc - Table of contents data
.lof - List of figures data
.lot - List of tables data
.out - Hyperlink data (hyperref)

% Safe to delete - regenerated on compile
% Useful for debugging

💡 Tips

•Only .tex and .bib need to be backed up/version controlled
•Add *.aux, *.log, *.bbl to .gitignore
•If weird errors occur, delete generated files and recompile

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