Is there a way to practice Latex code without posting on forums?

[MacLaddy]

I have noticed recently that I will struggle with a math problem for hours, sometimes days, and then within five minutes of posting I will realize my error and resolve it myself. I think it has something to do with the crafting of the Latex code, previewing, repairing, previewing again, changing code, etc. It seems to give me a different look at the problem.

So, with that being said, I was wondering if there is a place that I can practice Latex code in the forums without actually posting? I think it would be great if I could type it all out as a rough draft- stare at it for a bit, make needed changes, then copy and paste to the appropriate forum if I still haven't figured it out.

A place in my profile where I could save it for later would be best, but anything would work.

Thanks everyone, let me know what you think or if this is possible.

Mac

(I'll probably realize that I've had this ability all along, and in an obvious place, as soon as I hit the "Submit" button.)

 

[jhae2.718]

Not on PF: You could use texify.com, but I'd recommend just downloading a LaTeX distribution (MikTeX for Windows, TeXLive for everything else), and use that.

You can also use LaTeX on the site blogs. https://www.physicsforums.com/blog.php

 

[MacLaddy]

That MikTeX looks interesting. How does that integrate into my computer? Will it show up in word, pdf, etc?

EDIT- On second thought, and after watching a video on MikTeX, I think I may be a bit out of my league with that. Not that I couldn't figure it out after some time, but I am hoping for something a bit simpler, if possible.

 

[jhae2.718]

LyX is a GUI for LaTeX that's sort of between a WYSIWYG editor and a WYSIWYM tool like LaTeX that may work for you.
www.lyx.org

 

[Borek]

https://www.physicsforums.com/mathjax/test/preview.html

Note: it doesn't work as described, instead of pressing Enter/Return you may have to click outside of the edit field.