How do i go about learning LaTeX

  • LaTeX
  • Thread starter JasonJo
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Latex
In summary, LaTeX has a high learning curve, but once you learn it, it becomes like second nature. It is also very useful for mathematicians. There are many good LaTeX tutorials available online.
  • #1
JasonJo
429
2
how do i go about learning LaTeX, i recently had to write up a mathematical paper for my analysis course, and it just took so long, not because i didnt get the mathematics behind the paper, but because it was a nightmare to type up. i heard LaTeX has a higher than average learning curve, but once you learn it, it becomes like second nature. also, what's a good LaTeX package?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Anyways. There are lots of tutorials available online for LATEX. When I was first learning LATEX, I compiled a list of sites that were really helpful for me. Here they are:

About LATEX:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaTeX
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TeX

General Tutorials:
http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/LaTeX/AoPS_L_GuideLay.php [Broken]
http://www.andy-roberts.net/misc/latex/latextutorial1.html

Page Setup in LATEX:
http://www.iam.ubc.ca/~newbury/tex/page-set-up.html#margins [Broken]

List of LATEX Symbols:
http://osiris.sunderland.ac.uk/~cs0pdu/pub/mat118/lshort2e/node61.html

Latex Equation Editor(Very Useful!):
http://www.hamline.edu/~arundquist/equationeditor/

Latex Online Compilers:
http://dev.baywifi.com/latex/Default.aspx [Broken]
http://nirvana.informatik.uni-halle.de/~thuering/php/latex-online/latex.php?sprachauswahl=2&aufruf=9306 [Broken]

And yes it is true that LATEX is the BEST! :biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
You can use LATEX in two ways.

1) The professional way: you can download some LATEX softwares. This is kinda the hard way to do it because you would have to compile your documents and stuff and it sometimes gets overwhelming and using LATEX this way has a high learning curve. But definitely, this is the way to go if you going to be writing a lot of mathematical documents in the future.

2) The beginners way: you can use online LATEX softwares to type some equations in LATEX and generate a jpeg image and then just copy/paste that image into you word file or whatever. This way is definitely a lot more easier and has a tiny learning curve. I would recommend using this way until you know how to write equations in LATEX especially if things like programming and typing long lines of codes turn you off or something.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
JasonJo said:
also, what's a good LaTeX package?
I am not sure what you mean. You use a lot of different "packages" in LATEX depending on what type of equations you are going to use. You use whichever ones you need.
 
  • #5
Swapnil said:
2) The beginners way: you can use online LATEX softwares to type some equations in LATEX and generate a jpeg image and then just copy/paste that image into you word file or whatever. This way is definitely a lot more easier and has a tiny learning curve. I would recommend using this way until you know how to write equations in LATEX especially if things like programming and typing long lines of codes turn you off or something.

IMO this is terrible advice. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing it the right way.

LaTeX may have a learning curve, but it is more than worthwhile to learn. It is far easier to use than a word processor, and much faster. People rarely distinguish between easy to learn and easy to use. Word processors are easy to learn. LaTeX is easy to use.
 
  • #6
Depending on the platform you are working with, you can get some really good LaTex gui's. If you are working with Windows, I'd say that you should start with TechnicCenter which uses MikTex. Once you get a format working you can use it over and over by including the format file in your document.

If you are using Linux, try Kile, it seems to be stable and pretty easy to use. The down side is that it replaces a driver in Fedora Core 3 which keeps you from upgrading automatically.

The best thing about the gui's is that you do not need to know all the commands, they are programmed in for you and you just point and click to insett them.
 
  • #7
Like Dr Transport recommends, it's nice to use a gui if you need to look up the Tex commands. In Windows, I use the MikTes version of LaTex, and use a program called "WinEdt" as an editing platform. This is initially free with a trial period, but eventually you can pay something like 20 bucks for it if you find you like it.
 
  • #8
winEdt is your friend.
 
  • #9
The really great thing about the gui's is that they are point and click. You need to havce a reference for the page formats only, almost everything you need for writing papres is point-and-click.
 

1. What is LaTeX and why would I want to learn it?

LaTeX is a document preparation system, often used for typesetting scientific and technical documents. It allows for precise control over formatting and produces high-quality documents. Learning LaTeX can enhance the professional appearance of your documents and save time by automating tasks like bibliography management.

2. Do I need to know how to code to learn LaTeX?

While having some basic coding knowledge can be helpful, it is not necessary to know how to code in order to learn LaTeX. The syntax is relatively simple and there are many resources available to help you get started.

3. What resources are available for learning LaTeX?

There are many online tutorials, videos, and courses available for learning LaTeX. You can also find numerous books and user forums dedicated to LaTeX. Additionally, many universities offer workshops or classes on LaTeX for students and faculty.

4. Is LaTeX compatible with other document formats?

LaTeX is compatible with other document formats, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, through conversion tools. However, it is important to note that the formatting and layout may not transfer perfectly and some manual adjustments may be needed.

5. How long does it take to learn LaTeX?

The time it takes to learn LaTeX varies depending on your prior experience with coding and document formatting. With dedicated practice, you can learn the basics in a few days, but mastering all of its features may take several weeks or months.

Similar threads

  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
3
Views
986
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
3
Views
204
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
7
Views
3K
Back
Top