Extension:Math

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  1. Extension:Math

The `Math` extension for MediaWiki allows for the rendering of mathematical formulas within wiki pages using LaTeX syntax. This is a crucial extension for wikis dealing with scientific, technical, or mathematical content, enabling clear and professional presentation of complex equations and expressions. This article serves as a beginner's guide to understanding, installing, and using the `Math` extension.

What is the Math Extension?

The `Math` extension provides support for rendering mathematical expressions using LaTeX, a powerful typesetting system widely used in scientific and academic publications. Without this extension, attempting to include mathematical formulas directly in a wiki page would result in the raw LaTeX code being displayed, making it unreadable for most users. The extension converts this LaTeX code into visually appealing and correctly formatted mathematical notation using the PNG image format (or SVG if configured, discussed later).

This is particularly useful for:

Installation

Installing the `Math` extension involves several steps. It’s important to have administrator access to your MediaWiki installation.

1. Download the Extension: Download the latest version of the `Math` extension from the [MediaWiki Extensions repository](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Math). You can find the source code and release information there.

2. Upload the Files: Unzip the downloaded archive. You'll find a directory named `Math`. Upload the contents of this directory to your MediaWiki installation's `extensions/` directory. Usually, this is done via FTP or a file manager provided by your web hosting provider.

3. Configure LocalSettings.php: Open your `LocalSettings.php` file (located in the root directory of your MediaWiki installation) for editing. Add the following line to the end of the file: 

   ```php
   require_once("$IP/extensions/Math/Math.php");
   ```

   Replace `$IP` with the correct path to your MediaWiki installation if necessary.

4. Configure $wgUseTeX (Important): This is the most crucial configuration setting. In your `LocalSettings.php`, you need to specify how LaTeX code will be processed. There are three main options: 

   *   **`$wgUseTeX = true;`**:  This uses a local TeX installation.  This requires you to have a TeX distribution (like TeX Live or MiKTeX) installed on your server and properly configured. This provides the best performance but requires server administration. You will also need to configure `$wgTexvcPath` to point to the `texvc` executable.
   *   **`$wgUseTeX = false;`**: This uses an external web service to render the LaTeX.  This is the easiest option to set up, as it doesn't require a local TeX installation. However, it relies on the availability and reliability of the external service.  You’ll need to set `$wgTexvcHost`.  A popular choice is [1](https://quicklatex.com/), but be aware of potential usage limits and costs.
   *   **`$wgUseTeX = 'mathml';`**: This renders math as MathML. While native to the web, MathML support varies across browsers.  It's generally not recommended for widespread compatibility.

   Example using an external service (QuickLaTeX):

   ```php
   $wgUseTeX = false;
   $wgTexvcHost = 'https://quicklatex.com/render';
   ```

5. (Optional) Configure SVG Rendering: By default, the `Math` extension renders formulas as PNG images. You can configure it to use SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) for higher quality and scalability. To do this, ensure that your server supports SVG output and that your TeX installation (if using a local TeX installation) is configured to generate SVG. If using an external service, check if it supports SVG output. Then, set `$wgTexvcUseLatex = true;` and `$wgTexvcSVG = true;` in your `LocalSettings.php`.

6. Clear Cache: After making these changes, clear your MediaWiki cache to ensure that the extension is loaded correctly. You can do this by visiting `Special:PurgeCache` or by manually deleting the cache directory on your server.

Usage

Once the extension is installed and configured, you can start using LaTeX syntax within your wiki pages. The basic syntax is to enclose your LaTeX code within `$` (for inline math) or `$$` (for displayed math).

  • **Inline Math:** Use single dollar signs (`$`) to embed mathematical expressions within a line of text. For example:
   ```wiki
   The area of a circle is given by the formula $A = \pi r^2$.
   ```

   This will render as:

   The area of a circle is given by the formula  $A = \pi r^2$.
  • **Displayed Math:** Use double dollar signs (`$$`) to create a separate block of mathematical expression, centered on its own line. For example:
   ```wiki
   $$
   \int_0^\infty e^{-x^2} dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}
   $$
   ```

   This will render as:

   $$
   \int_0^\infty e^{-x^2} dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}
   $$

LaTeX Syntax

The `Math` extension supports a wide range of LaTeX commands and symbols. Here are some common examples:

  • **Fractions:** `\frac{numerator}{denominator}` (e.g., `\frac{1}{2}`)
  • **Superscripts and Subscripts:** `x^2` (x2), `x_i` (xi)
  • **Square Roots:** `\sqrt{x}` (√x)
  • **Greek Letters:** `\alpha`, `\beta`, `\gamma`, `\pi`, `\theta` (α, β, γ, π, θ)
  • **Symbols:** `\sum` (∑), `\int` (∫), `\infty` (∞), `\pm` (±)
  • **Matrices:**
   ```latex
   \begin{bmatrix}
   a & b \\
   c & d
   \end{bmatrix}
   ```
  • **Equations:** `\begin{equation} a = b \end{equation}`
  • **Alignments:** `\begin{align} a &= b + c \\ d &= e + f \end{align}`

For a comprehensive guide to LaTeX syntax, refer to online resources such as [2](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/LaTeX) or [3](https://www.latex-project.org/).

Advanced Configuration

  • **`$wgTexvcPath`**: When `$wgUseTeX = true;`, this variable specifies the path to the `texvc` executable on your server. This is essential for local TeX processing.
  • **`$wgTexvcHost`**: When `$wgUseTeX = false;`, this variable specifies the URL of the external TeX rendering service.
  • **`$wgTexvcUseLatex`**: Set to `true` to use LaTeX for rendering (required for SVG output).
  • **`$wgTexvcSVG`**: Set to `true` to enable SVG rendering (requires `$wgTexvcUseLatex = true;`).
  • **`$wgMathAutomaticNumbering`**: Enable automatic numbering of displayed equations.
  • **`$wgMathAllowExternalImages`**: Allow rendering of images from external sources if the LaTeX code contains them. (Use with caution for security reasons.)
  • **`$wgMathUseIDAttribute`**: Adds an ID attribute to the rendered math equations for easier referencing.
  • **`$wgMathRenderAutomatic`**: Automatically render math expressions without explicit dollar signs. (Not generally recommended, as it can lead to unintended rendering.)

Troubleshooting

  • **Formulas Not Rendering:** Double-check your `LocalSettings.php` configuration, especially `$wgUseTeX`, `$wgTexvcPath`, and `$wgTexvcHost`. Ensure that the paths are correct and that the external service is accessible. Clear the MediaWiki cache.
  • **Errors in LaTeX Code:** The `Math` extension may not provide very informative error messages. Use an online LaTeX editor or compiler to test your LaTeX code before using it in your wiki.
  • **Slow Rendering:** If you are using a local TeX installation and experiencing slow rendering times, consider optimizing your TeX installation or using an external service.
  • **SVG Issues:** If SVG rendering is not working, make sure your server supports SVG output and that your TeX installation is configured to generate SVG. Also, check your browser's compatibility with SVG.
  • **Security Concerns:** When using external services, be mindful of data privacy and security. Ensure that the service is reputable and that your data is protected. Avoid using external services for sensitive mathematical expressions.

Best Practices

  • **Keep LaTeX Code Simple:** Avoid overly complex LaTeX code, as it can be difficult to debug and may lead to rendering issues.
  • **Test Your Formulas:** Always test your formulas in a separate LaTeX editor before adding them to your wiki.
  • **Use Inline Math Sparingly:** Use inline math only for short, simple expressions. For longer or more complex formulas, use displayed math.
  • **Provide Context:** Always provide context for your mathematical expressions. Explain what the variables and symbols represent.
  • **Accessibility:** Consider accessibility when using the `Math` extension. Provide alternative text descriptions for images of mathematical expressions to make them accessible to users with visual impairments. MathML, while not universally supported, is a more accessible option than PNG or SVG images.
  • **Regularly Update:** Keep the `Math` extension updated to benefit from bug fixes, security improvements, and new features.

See Also

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