Start Learning LaTex for Physics Forum: Easier Than It Seems

[PsychonautQQ]

If I want to start using LaTex on the physics forum, is the best way to do it just to learn all the coding? This seems like quite a task for me (I've never learned any computer language thing). I downloaded MiKtex (LaTex software) and was hoping that it would somehow write up the proper syntax for me and I could just paste it onto here... Idk I'm not that computer savy. Is there software that will write LaTex format for me that I can download to my computer and then paste onto Physics Forums easily?

 

[phyzguy]

It's just not that hard to learn. I'm sure you could be making equations in 30 min or so if you try it.
A few simple things:
(1) You wrap

[tex] [/tex]

around the latex stuff.
(2) the latex symbols are preceded by a backslash \, so greek letters, for example are \alpha.
(3) ^ makes a superscript, and _ makes a subscript.
(4) You can look at the tex code in an equation by right-clicking on it and then selecting Show Math as - tex commands
(5) When you can't remember a command, like "what was the tex for an integral?", you just google: latex - integral and it will show you.

So for example the tex for

$$\alpha^2$$

is just:

[tex]\alpha^2[/tex]

Try it!

Note that I wrapped CODE tags around the latex stuff you you could see what they look like - you don't want to do tht if you want latex to implement it.

 

[Borek]

Check this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3977517&postcount=3

(First few paragraphs are about incorporating LeTeX in your posts, then there is a short introduction to LaTeX).

 

[reenmachine]

I used to be afraid of trying to learn LaTeX so I copy-pasted all the symbols I needed by googling them.Let me just say that this was a stupid approach in retrospective.LaTeX takes a couple of days to get used to , so it's really not that hard.You just have to get started and once you're there it will just flow.

 

[alphy]

Hello,

Learning LaTex for use on the Physics Forum can definitely seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience with coding or computer languages. However, I would recommend taking the time to learn the basics of LaTex coding as it will greatly benefit you in the long run and make your posts on the forum more professional and easier to read.

There are many online resources and tutorials available that can help you learn LaTex, such as the LaTex WikiBook or the LaTex Project website. Additionally, most LaTex editors, including MiKtex, have a built-in assistant that can help with writing the correct syntax. It may take some time and practice, but with patience and dedication, you will be able to use LaTex on the forum without any difficulties.

There are also software options available that can generate LaTex code for you, but they may not always produce the desired result and may not be as efficient as learning the coding yourself. However, if you are still struggling, you can always reach out to other users on the forum for assistance or ask for help from the forum moderators.

Overall, learning LaTex may seem like a challenging task at first, but it will greatly benefit you in your scientific communication and make your posts on the Physics Forum more professional and visually appealing. I encourage you to give it a try and don't hesitate to ask for help if needed. Good luck!