LilyPond Application Usage: 5. Suggestions for writing files

# 5. Suggestions for writing files

Now you’re ready to begin writing larger LilyPond input files – not just the little examples in the tutorial, but whole pieces. But how should you go about doing it?

As long as LilyPond can understand your input files and produce the output that you want, it doesn’t matter what your input files look like. However, there are a few other things to consider when writing LilyPond input files.

- What if you make a mistake? The structure of a LilyPond file can make certain errors easier (or harder) to find.
- What if you want to share your input files with somebody else? In fact, what if you want to alter your own input files in a few years? Some LilyPond input files are understandable at first glance; others may leave you scratching your head for an hour.
- What if you want to upgrade your LilyPond file for use with a later version of LilyPond? The input syntax changes occasionally as LilyPond improves. Most changes can be done automatically with `convert-ly`, but some changes might require manual assistance. LilyPond input files can be structured in order to be easier (or harder) to update.

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#### LilyPond — Usage