ASCIIMathML: Difference between revisions
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==Usage== | ==Usage== | ||
AsciiMathML has been massaged into quite a few formats, and is | AsciiMathML has been massaged into quite a few formats, and is presently available in a version 2.0.2 distribution [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=106148 from Sourceforge] which can be quickly installed for Moodle as a javascripted based filter. However, in exploring various features of asciimathml it was discovered that once installed per the default instructions the filter did not turn off (there is a Tracker item on this [need to add reference] and it is argued that the behavior may be do to artifacts in the usage of require_js ) and that there were issues with the filter not interacting appropriately with the Moodle quiz and message modules. It is possible that the filter may be made to behave more like a filter if the javascript files are moved and the php files edited to reflect their location. In the interm, however, it was determined that asciimathml.js worked very well if simply referenced in meta.php, and for those interested in using asciimathml, it is suggested that a reference to it be placed in the appropriate theme and that a "common" location for the distribution files be identified (more on this below. | ||
Additionally, a php version of ASCIIMathML has been developed by Steve Chan. Depending on usage, using the php version may or may not require the concurrent usage of an additional javascript file (arguably, if the web application displays xhtml, which Moodle does, the additional javascript file is not necessary.) | |||
Stemming from an initial joint project with Peter Jipsen, David Lippman has also maintained a version of ASCIIMathML.js that provides fallback to a TeX interpreter such as mimetex. This can be important because ASCIIMathML requires that a) the browser used supports MathML (A W3C standard that Safari, for example does not support) and b) that adequate Math fonts are available to the browser (see note below about obtaining and installing fonts). | |||
As part of extending the fallback option to make asciimathml usage more transparent for usage on Moodle, a Moodle version will be available. | |||
==Discussion== | ==Discussion== | ||
Peter Jipsen created a google groups site [http://groups.google.com/group/asciimath?hl=en here] "for discussing issues and proposing additions to the JavaScript program ASCIIMathML.js that enables users to easily display mathematics and graphs (using MathML and SVG) on web pages or in blogs and wikis. Suggestions are welcome (see www.chapman.edu/~jipsen/asciimath.html for more). " | Peter Jipsen created a google groups site [http://groups.google.com/group/asciimath?hl=en here] "for discussing issues and proposing additions to the JavaScript program ASCIIMathML.js that enables users to easily display mathematics and graphs (using MathML and SVG) on web pages or in blogs and wikis. Suggestions are welcome (see www.chapman.edu/~jipsen/asciimath.html for more). " | ||
Revision as of 21:03, 30 July 2008
ASCIIMathML
Introduction
Initially developed by Peter Jipsen ( see his remarks on the history of ASCIIMathML here ), ASCIIMathML has become one of the most widely and easily used tools for the expression and display of Mathematics on the web.
Features
Usage
AsciiMathML has been massaged into quite a few formats, and is presently available in a version 2.0.2 distribution from Sourceforge which can be quickly installed for Moodle as a javascripted based filter. However, in exploring various features of asciimathml it was discovered that once installed per the default instructions the filter did not turn off (there is a Tracker item on this [need to add reference] and it is argued that the behavior may be do to artifacts in the usage of require_js ) and that there were issues with the filter not interacting appropriately with the Moodle quiz and message modules. It is possible that the filter may be made to behave more like a filter if the javascript files are moved and the php files edited to reflect their location. In the interm, however, it was determined that asciimathml.js worked very well if simply referenced in meta.php, and for those interested in using asciimathml, it is suggested that a reference to it be placed in the appropriate theme and that a "common" location for the distribution files be identified (more on this below.
Additionally, a php version of ASCIIMathML has been developed by Steve Chan. Depending on usage, using the php version may or may not require the concurrent usage of an additional javascript file (arguably, if the web application displays xhtml, which Moodle does, the additional javascript file is not necessary.)
Stemming from an initial joint project with Peter Jipsen, David Lippman has also maintained a version of ASCIIMathML.js that provides fallback to a TeX interpreter such as mimetex. This can be important because ASCIIMathML requires that a) the browser used supports MathML (A W3C standard that Safari, for example does not support) and b) that adequate Math fonts are available to the browser (see note below about obtaining and installing fonts).
As part of extending the fallback option to make asciimathml usage more transparent for usage on Moodle, a Moodle version will be available.
Discussion
Peter Jipsen created a google groups site here "for discussing issues and proposing additions to the JavaScript program ASCIIMathML.js that enables users to easily display mathematics and graphs (using MathML and SVG) on web pages or in blogs and wikis. Suggestions are welcome (see www.chapman.edu/~jipsen/asciimath.html for more). "
