How to use LaTeX to cite references?

LaTeX employs the \bibliography{} command along with a .bib file and BibTeX (or BibLaTeX/Biber) for automated reference management and citation formatting. This system generates citations and compiles the bibliography according to a specified style (e.g., APA, IEEE). It is the standard method for managing citations in technical and academic LaTeX documents. The essential components are a .bib file containing bibliography entries (with unique keys), the \cite{key} command within the document text to insert citations, and the \bibliographystyle{style} command to choose the formatting style. Using BibTeX requires specific compilation steps (LaTeX, then BibTeX, then LaTeX twice) to resolve citations and build the bibliography. Popular bibliography styles like `plain`, `abbrv`, `alpha`, `ieeetr`, and `apalike` are commonly available, or custom styles can be used. Alternative packages like BibLaTeX with Biber offer enhanced features and greater flexibility. To implement this, create a .bib file containing reference entries with identifiers (e.g., `@article{einstein1905}`). Use `\cite{einstein1905}` at relevant points in the .tex document where a citation is needed. After the `\end{document}`, include the commands `\bibliographystyle{chosen_style}` and `\bibliography{bibfile_name}`. Compile the document by running LaTeX (to generate citation placeholders), then BibTeX/Biber (to process the .bib data), then LaTeX twice more (to integrate the formatted citations and bibliography). Use bibliography management software to maintain the .bib file.