What do you use to write formulas here in Physics Forum?

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SUMMARY

The primary topic of discussion is the use of LaTeX for writing formulas in the Physics Forum. While LaTeX remains a popular choice, the forum now utilizes MathJax, which has specific differences from traditional LaTeX, such as the use of ## for inline tags instead of $. Users like Bill have adopted AutoHotKey to create shortcuts for LaTeX commands, enhancing their efficiency. Overall, LaTeX continues to be relevant, but users should be aware of the platform's unique requirements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with LaTeX syntax and commands
  • Understanding of MathJax and its differences from LaTeX
  • Basic knowledge of AutoHotKey for creating keyboard shortcuts
  • Experience with online forums and their formatting tools
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore MathJax documentation to understand its capabilities and limitations
  • Learn how to create AutoHotKey scripts for LaTeX shortcuts
  • Research best practices for writing LaTeX in online forums
  • Investigate the use of LLMs like Bard for converting text to LaTeX
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and professionals in physics or mathematics who need to write and format equations efficiently in online discussions or articles.

yungman
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I was here over 10yrs ago, at the time, I use LaTex. You still using that today or there's something new?

I am encouraging my grand daughter to come to this forum as she's going to college soon. I don't want to tell her to learn the wrong thing as it's been over 10yrs already.

Thanks

Alan
 
Physics news on Phys.org
LaTeX.
The "LaTeX Guide" is still in the bottom left corner of the reply window.
 
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It is actually MathJax and has some differences from ordinary LaTeX. E.g. we do not have all libraries, hence not all possible symbols, and we cannot add them, and the main difference is that we use ## as inline LaTeX tags instead of $. LaTeX is basically a compiler, and the web-communication needs an interpreter.
 
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I tend not to use LaTex, but I really should,

Thanks
Bill
 
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bhobba said:
I tend not to use LaTex, but I really should,

Thanks
Bill
I use AutoHotKey and laid a few dozen shortcuts on my keyboard. No accidental Shift Lock anymore, no accidental turning Num Lock off, and yes, many shortcuts for LaTeX. \left. \dfrac{d}{d}\right|_{} or \begin{pmatrix}\end{pmatrix} or \begin{align*}

\end{align*}
are available by Alt+u, Alt+m, and Alt+i. \langle \rangle is Ctrl+y. Just make sure not to overwrite the usual necessities like Ctrl+c or Ctrl+a. I can write Latex almost as fast as ordinary text with my little helpers.
 
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LLMs can easily convert text equations to latex, for example with Bard:
1697554362273.png

or:
$$\begin{align*}\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t} + \nabla \cdot (\rho \mathbf{u}) &= 0, \\\rho \frac{\partial \mathbf{u}}{\partial t} + \rho (\mathbf{u} \cdot \nabla) \mathbf{u} &= -\nabla p + \nabla \cdot \mathbf{T} + \rho \mathbf{g},\end{align*}$$
 
bhobba said:
I tend not to use LaTex, but I really should,
Yes, and especially so in Insights articles.
 
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