Math Symbols in PF 4.0 - Where Did It Go?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the changes in the Physics Forums (PF) 4.0 interface, specifically regarding the availability and accessibility of mathematical symbols for LaTeX users. Participants express concerns about the removal of a previously available symbol selector and explore alternative methods for accessing LaTeX symbols.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note the absence of a drop-down list for mathematical symbols that was present in earlier versions of PF, expressing that it was a helpful feature.
  • Others suggest using Detexify, a tool that allows users to draw symbols to obtain their LaTeX codes, although some argue it is not as convenient as a dedicated list.
  • A participant mentions that the previous popup LaTeX symbol selector will not return due to it being a custom plugin that cannot be ported over to the new software.
  • Some participants express a desire for the return of the symbol selector, emphasizing its importance for quick reference.
  • There are discussions about alternative methods to find threads started by users, with varying levels of success reported among participants.
  • Some participants highlight the existence of a "LaTeX Guide" link, but others critique it for not being user-friendly or easily accessible for frequently used symbols.
  • Later posts indicate that the math symbols feature has returned, with instructions on how to access it via a button in the editor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the previous symbol selector was a useful tool, but there is disagreement on the effectiveness of alternative methods for accessing LaTeX symbols. The discussion about the return of the math symbols feature shows a shift towards a more positive outlook, but earlier concerns about usability remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about whether certain features have been removed or relocated, indicating a lack of clarity in the new interface. There are also mentions of varying experiences with finding previously accessible content, suggesting that user settings may affect visibility.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for current users of Physics Forums who are interested in LaTeX typesetting, particularly those who relied on the previous symbol selector and are navigating the changes in PF 4.0.

PFuser1232
Messages
479
Reaction score
20
In the previous version of PF, there was some sort of list from which one can select mathematical symbols (for the LaTex layman). However, I can't seem to find this option in PF 4.0.
Can someone please tell me where it got moved to (if not deleted)?
This feature was extremely helpful and convenient for me.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Why not just start using Detexify? You draw a symbol and it will provide you with its LaTeX code.
 
It's still not as convenient as having a drop-down list with a lot more symbols than you would need. I hope the admins look into the matter as soon as possible.
 
Be sure we want these tools back as well. There are plenty of small things that need to be done, this is one of them. I am not saying we will copy identical approach, but having these symbols handy was always important.

In the meantime - treat this situation as an opportunity to learn LaTeX, it is not that difficult ;)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Fredrik and PFuser1232
The popup latex symbol selector that we had before won't return. It was a custom plugin for that software that can't be ported over.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PFuser1232
Among the other changes that I have noticed is the absence of a link in my profile which takes me to the list of threads I have started since joining PF. I would be very grateful if you could help me out with this matter.
 
I don't know whether that option is gone, or if it's perhaps moved somewhere I haven't looked in.
 
MohammedRady97 said:
Among the other changes that I have noticed is the absence of a link in my profile which takes me to the list of threads I have started since joining PF. I would be very grateful if you could help me out with this matter.
Go to My PF->Your content
 
Bandersnatch said:
Go to My PF->Your content
I can only find the threads I started after the launch of PF 4.0.
 
  • #10
MohammedRady97 said:
I can only find the threads I started after the launch of PF 4.0.
Hmm, it shows quite a lot more for me. Did you try clicking "find older posts" at the bottom of the listed posts?
 
  • #11
MohammedRady97 said:
Among the other changes that I have noticed is the absence of a link in my profile which takes me to the list of threads I have started since joining PF. I would be very grateful if you could help me out with this matter.
The most useful link of that sort is under "forums"-->" watched threads". Then click on "there may be more to view". This isn't just the threads you've started. For me it's every thread I've posted in, and not chosen to stop watching, but it depends on your settings.

A list of all the threads you've started can be found with an advanced search. It's a bit more complicated than having a quick link for it of course, but how often do you want to see all the threads you've started? I don't think I've done that once in the past five years.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PFuser1232
  • #12
Fredrik said:
The most useful link of that sort is under "forums"-->" watched threads". Then click on "there may be more to view". This isn't just the threads you've started. For me it's every thread I've posted in, and not chosen to stop watching, but it depends on your settings.

A list of all the threads you've started can be found with an advanced search. It's a bit more complicated than having a quick link for it of course, but how often do you want to see all the threads you've started? I don't think I've done that once in the past five years.

The watched threads link is what I was looking for, thank you! :)
 
  • #13
Greg Bernhardt said:
The popup latex symbol selector that we had before won't return. It was a custom plugin for that software that can't be ported over.

This is a much needed feature. It is a readily available cheat sheet for quick reference that is needed.

Borek said:
In the meantime - treat this situation as an opportunity to learn LaTeX, it is not that difficult ;)

It is not because someone doesn't know latex, it's just that we don't necessarily write latex code all day long and have everything in memory.

This should be a great start to create your own add-on.
 
  • #14
I don't think that it would be worth the effort to write a plugin.

If you click the LATEX PREVIEW button below the editor, you will see a link that says "LaTeX Guide" in the lower right corner. That link will take you to a page that contains all the codes you need and an explanation of how to use them at Physics Forums.
 
  • #15
Fredrik said:
If you click the LATEX PREVIEW button below the editor, you will see a link that says "LaTeX Guide" in the lower right corner. That link will take you to a page that contains all the codes you need and an explanation of how to use them at Physics Forums.

That is not a cheat sheet, it is a book on how to use Latex. You have to search way too much to find the frequently used symbols list and when you find it, there is no symbol, only a written definition. The only useful thing for a cheat sheet is a link hidden behind the word here at the end of that list which link to http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/LaTeX:Symbols . I would prefer the LaTeX Guide link to go there directly.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DataGG
  • #16
Math symbols are back Click the sigma button in the editor. @Chestermiller
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ehild, jtbell, HakimPhilo and 1 other person
  • #17
√ σκ
 
  • #18
Greg Bernhardt said:
Math symbols are back Click the sigma button in the editor.

γρεατ! :D
 
  • #19
jtbell said:
γρεατ! :D
⊕1!
 
  • #20
Thanks.
 
  • #21
Greg Bernhardt said:
Math symbols are back Click the sigma button in the editor.

Amazing! Thanks, Greg.

ehild
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Greg Bernhardt
  • #22
Thanks!
 
  • #23
I hadn't noticed this yet. How awesome. Thanks Greg.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Fewest number of segments to identify a know symbol
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School What unique contributions to math did linear algebra make?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Good series of books to brush up on math, physics, and computer programming?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Effects of LLMs on math learning, self taught or otherwise
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
AlphaEvolve - The Future of Math?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Undergrad Standard crystallographic notation confusion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
8K
LaTeX Notation for Lists in Math: Symbol, LaTeX
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Sticky
How to use the "w" in www
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
What and how to study for a pure maths education at university?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K