Can LaTeX Easily Generate Data Tables from Text Files?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Norman
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the process of generating data tables in LaTeX from text files. Participants explore various methods for importing data into LaTeX, including the potential use of external software and tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of directly importing data from a text file into LaTeX for table generation, suggesting that manual entry or creating an .eps file might be easier.
  • Another participant mentions that copying and pasting data into LaTeX requires formatting, implying that there is no straightforward method for direct file reading into LaTeX.
  • A different participant introduces an Excel add-in called xl2latex, which converts tables into LaTeX code, suggesting that this method may be more efficient for users familiar with Excel.
  • There is a follow-up inquiry about the compatibility of xl2latex with OpenOffice.org Calc and a request for similar alternatives.
  • Another participant responds with a suggestion for a tool called calc2latex that may serve as an alternative for OpenOffice.org Calc users.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best method for generating LaTeX tables from data files, with no consensus on a single approach. Some advocate for using Excel with xl2latex, while others highlight the limitations of direct text file imports.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with compatibility and functionality of tools across different software platforms, as well as the necessity of formatting when copying and pasting data.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals looking to publish data in LaTeX format, particularly those seeking efficient methods for importing data from text files or spreadsheets.

Norman
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Hello Everyone,

I have a question about publishing some data in Latex. I don't want to have to enter the data by hand into the latex document. Is there an easy way to take the data from a text file into latex and have it generate a table? Or would it be easier to just create a .eps file from some other software and include the table as graphics?

Does anyone have any experience with this sort of problem?
Thanks for any help or insight anyone can offer.
Cheers,
Ryan
 
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You cancopy and paste, then you will have to do some formatting. I don't think there is a way to read a file into LaTex in a table format...
 
There is a need little add-in to Excel that allows you to convert tabels into decent latex code. So it is properly easier (and better) to just import your data into excel and convert it to latex.

Its called xl2latex and is available on CTAN, http://www.dante.de/CTAN//support/xl2latex/ it is made for Excel97 but i have used it with both 2000 and XP, and although i get a runtime error it works fine.
 
Last edited:
Triss said:
There is a need little add-in to Excel that allows you to convert tabels into decent latex code. So it is properly easier (and better) to just import your data into excel and convert it to latex.

Its called xl2latex and is available on CTAN.

Would this be compatible with OpenOffice.org Calc? If not is there a similar program available?
Thanks,
Ryan
 

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