How to use LaTeX commands in chat messages
While many scientists and engineers use LaTeX to create formatted documents with equations, they require the same functionality for their communication in chat. Not all business messaging platforms support LaTeX text formatting. Still, there are some that do and allow sharing equations and formatted text in chat messages.
What Is LaTeX?
LaTeX is a typesetting system commonly used for writing documents that include mathematical or scientific notation. It uses text-based commands to represent symbols, equations, and structures.
Example: The following message in LaTeX format will be converted to the equation in the chat history area in Virola Messenger:
%Side sets test
\sideset{^\backprime}{'}
\sum_{x=1}^{\infty} x
\sideset{a_1^2}{}\sum_{x=1}^\infty x_0
\\
\sideset{_\text{left bottom}'''}{_{\text{right bottom}}'''}
\sum_{\text{quite long text}}^\infty x
\\
\sideset{}{'}
\sum_{n<k,\;\text{$n$ odd}} nE_n
\\
\sideset{}{'}
\sum^{n<k,\;\text{$n$ odd}}nE_n
\\
M_x''' M'''_x M^{'''}_x M_x{'''} M^{\prime\backprime}
Why use LaTeX in chat communication?
For communication among scientists, researchers, and engineers, business messengers are used more and more often compared to emails. This significantly streamlines the communication process, making it smoother and more efficient.
Let's see why it is convenient to use LaTeX in chat communication:
- Education. Ideal for online tutoring, research groups, or academic discussions.
- Precision. Write complex formulas or expressions exactly as intended.
- Professionalism. Gives a clean, polished look to technical messages.
- Clarity. Makes technical collaboration more efficient and reduces misunderstandings.
How to send LaTeX-formatted messages in Virola Messenger?
LaTeX markup is one of the text formats supported by Virola Messenger. This makes Virola Messenger the number one communication tool in scientific circles. To send a LaTeX-formatted message, there is no need to install additional plugins or add-ons; users simply need to select the LaTeX format in the text input area and enter LaTeX-formatted text.
If LaTeX markup is selected for the text input area, all messages are automatically converted after being sent.
Here are a few expressions you may find useful in your chat conversations:
With the help of LaTeX, teams can communicate complex ideas clearly, collaborate efficiently on technical subjects, and keep professional discussions.