How was LaTeX implemented on Physics Forum software?

  • Context: LaTeX 
  • Thread starter Thread starter caffeine
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implementation of LaTeX on the Physics Forums platform, specifically addressing the underlying software used and the methods by which LaTeX functionality was integrated. The conversation touches on technical aspects, including potential plugins and modifications related to LaTeX rendering.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the software basis of Physics Forums, suggesting it might be phpBB and expressing curiosity about the LaTeX implementation.
  • Another participant clarifies that Physics Forums uses vBulletin and mentions that LaTeX was implemented separately by an admin named chroot.
  • A different participant speculates that the LaTeX implementation could be a modification of an external resource but admits uncertainty about this.
  • Further contributions suggest checking phpBB's modification database for potential LaTeX plugins and mention existing LaTeX generators that render images for message boards.
  • One participant praises the overall functionality and appearance of the site, attributing its success to the talent of the developers.
  • Warren, an admin, explains that he initially added LaTeX rendering through custom modifications to the vBulletin source and later converted it into a plugin to prevent loss during upgrades. He notes that while it is mostly functional, it still requires some work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of vBulletin for Physics Forums and the separate implementation of LaTeX, but there are differing views on the specifics of how it was integrated and whether it aligns with existing plugins or modifications.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the exact nature of the LaTeX implementation and its relation to other available plugins or modifications, as well as the potential need for further development.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in forum software development, LaTeX integration, or the technical workings of online community platforms may find this discussion relevant.

caffeine
What code is Physics Forums based on? Is this phpBB?

But most fascinating is using LaTeX in the posts. It's brilliant. Is that a "plugin" for phpBB? Or was it developed by the people who run Physics Forum?
 
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Physics Forums uses vBulletin. LaTeX was implemented separately, I believe by chroot, one of the admins here.
 
caffeine said:
What code is Physics Forums based on? Is this phpBB?

But most fascinating is using LaTeX in the posts. It's brilliant. Is that a "plugin" for phpBB? Or was it developed by the people who run Physics Forum?

If you want to see if there is a LaTeX plugin for phpBB, I suggest that you check their modification database.

There are a couple of LaTeX generators out there that render images that can be posted on message boards such as http://rogercortesi.com/eqn/index.php

I just found out that there is actually one LaTeX modification for vBulletin http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=91545, but I cannot say if that is the one that physicsforums is using.
 
The whole site is very impressive. Looks good, but still is *very* functional. Whichever group of people implemented it are very talented.
 
I put the LaTeX rendering into the site a long time ago, through some custom additions to the vBulletin source. Since, I've changed it into a "plug-in," so at least it won't be obliterated each time we do an upgrade. A number of other people have also implemented plug-ins that achieve similar functionality, but none of them existed when I first introduced the feature on physicsforums. :biggrin:

In truth, it still needs a little work, but it's mostly functional and I have very little time these days to hack on it. Thanks for the kind words, though. :smile:

- Warren
 
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