LaTeX and the Math I Can Do editor are different tools for different jobs; understanding this helps you choose the right tool for each task. LaTeX is a typesetting system that helps prepare already written mathematics for publication. The Math I Can Do editor is for writing that math in the first place.
Writing, not typesetting
LaTeX lets you fuss with visual details like spacing, trying to get things to look just right. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it is a distraction during eariler stages of writing. The Math I Can Do editor lets you capture math quickly and fluidly, so you can think and write without getting detoured into details. Instead of interrupting your flow to look up which LaTeX package you need or how to achieve a certain effect, you can focus on capturing your ideas.
Tip:
- Once ready to publish, you can export your work to LaTeX or another format. So you don’t give up any control, you just defer its excercise until it’s actually useful.
Standard notation
LaTeX is concerned with what your notation looks like but it has no idea what it means. In the Math I Can Do editor, notation means something. This lets the editor offer commands that work on a mathematical level as well as a typographic one.
This may seem strange or restrictive at first, but it benefits the vast majority of users. Instead of manually constructing notation from constituent parts, you only need to know what you want to do. The structure is constructed for you; just fill in the blanks (fields) as needed.
The editor’s notation is carefully selected. Where possible, it follows ISO standards to support collaboration between diverse groups. It also seeks to minimize the overloading (reuse) of symbols. This avoids ambiguity, making mistakes less likely—both for you and for your readers. But this also means that the editor may not use the notation that you prefer for some operations. You may be able to get around this by misusing other editor commands, but that’s discouraged. The result may be harder for others to read, but more importantly you may have issues when exporting content or using advanced features such as computation.
Tips:
- A common mistake of this kind is using a parenthesis object for a function. Functions have their own command. This ensures that math like isn’t ambiguous.
- If you need to express an operation that the editor doesn’t support, keep it simple. For example, use a function whose name is a descriptive identifier for the missing operation. Avoid misusing existing notation.
- If you dislike the editor’s notation, you can always convert it to your preferred form when you export it.
Your LaTeX knowledge isn’t wasted
If you’ve used LaTeX for a long time, you’ve probably built some muscle memory. You might type a command you use all the time without even thinking. You can still use those skills!
For example: In LaTeX, the command \wedge produces the symbol .
In the Math I Can Do editor, this symbol represents the logical and (conjunction) operation.
You can insert it by clicking its button in the Logic palette, or by typing and and pressing Space.
But you can also insert it using the LaTeX name for the symbol, by typing wedge and pressing Space.
You can even include the \ (although it will show as , the division sign).
This works because, like ., the division sign can be used to mark the start of an abbreviation.
Tips:
- LaTeX command names are sometimes based on function, and sometimes on what the symbol looks like. In the Math I Can Do editor, names are always based on function. If you know what you want to do, start typing its name and you’ll probably be presented with the right command.
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We respect that old habits are hard to change, but it is usually worth learning the “Math I Can Do way.”
The Math I Can Do editor emphasizes speed and guessability.
For example, the LaTeX command for the infinity symbol () is
\infty. In the editor you can just type@@.
Summary
LaTeX and the Math I Can Do editor are each designed to suit their intended purpose. By appreciating that difference, you can use both to best effect.
Tip:
- Read the Getting started guide, if you have not already done so.