Websites using MathJax

Okay, let s break down MathJax, covering its overview, revenue model (or lack thereof), alternatives, pricing (again, mostly free), and customer care details.

MathJax Overview

• What it is: MathJax is a cross-browser JavaScript display engine for mathematics. It allows web browsers to render mathematical equations written using LaTeX, MathML, and AsciiMath notation. Essentially, it translates these formats into beautiful, readable mathematical symbols and expressions on your website or application.
• Key Features:
  • Cross-browser Compatibility: Works reliably across all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.)
  • Multiple Input Formats: Supports LaTeX, MathML, and AsciiMath, covering the most common ways math is written online.
  • High-Quality Rendering: Produces professional-looking mathematical output.
  • Scalable and Accessible: Renders text-based equations as scalable graphics, which is also useful for accessibility, such as with screen readers.
  • Highly Configurable: Offers numerous customization options for appearance and behavior.
  • Open Source: It s a free and open-source project (under the Apache 2.0 License), making it available for wide use.
• How it Works:
  1. You embed a small JavaScript snippet in your web page.
  2. MathJax detects the mathematical notations in your HTML.
  3. It converts the math code into appropriate visual representations (using web fonts or SVG).
  4. The mathematics are then displayed seamlessly in your browser.
• Use Cases:
  • Educational Websites: Essential for displaying mathematical content in online courses, tutorials, and learning platforms.
  • Research and Scientific Publishing: Used by academic journals, research blogs, and scientific documentation.
  • Technical Documentation: Useful for any technical writing that requires mathematical notation.
  • Personal Blogs and Forums: Ideal for those who need to share math-heavy content online.

Revenue Model

• No Direct Revenue: MathJax does not operate on a traditional revenue model. It is a free, open-source project funded through grants and donations.
• Funding Sources:
  • Software and Research Grants: Funding from foundations, research organizations, and universities that support the development of open-source software for research and education.
  • Donations: User and community donations, supporting the development and maintenance of the project.
• Focus on Community: The project s focus is on being a community-driven resource, not on profit.

Alternatives to MathJax

Here are some alternatives, categorized by type:

• JavaScript Libraries (Similar functionality):
  • KaTeX: A very fast JavaScript library for displaying math notation. Focuses on rendering speed and is often used for high-performance needs. (Generally simpler than MathJax, might not support all LaTeX commands)
  • jsMath: A lightweight library with similar rendering capabilities to MathJax. (Less actively developed)
  • MathML directly: Modern browsers can render MathML without any additional libraries, although you need to write in MathML format (more verbose than LaTeX).
• Server-Side Rendering:
  • LaTeX to Image Converters: You can render math to images server-side (using LaTeX, MathJax, or other tools) and embed the images in your web pages. (Not recommended for accessibility and scaling, can become cumbersome)
  • MathML Renderers: Server-side tools to convert math notations into MathML.
• Dedicated Platforms with Built-in Support:
  • Markdown Editors with Math Support: Some markdown editors or publishing platforms offer built-in support for rendering math (e.g. some implementations of CommonMark/GFM and some static site generators).
  • Online LaTeX Editors: Platforms that include their own rendering tools.
• Text-Based Solutions:
  • Unicode: Use of Unicode math symbols directly in text (limited and not always universally supported).
  • ASCII representations: Simple text-based math notations (e.g. using symbols like +, -, *, /, ^, _ ) (Very limited for complex expressions)

Pricing

• MathJax: Free for all uses. It is licensed under the Apache 2.0 license, meaning you can use, modify, and distribute it freely.
• Alternatives:
  • JavaScript libraries: Most are open source and free to use (e.g., KaTeX)
  • Server-Side Solutions: Depending on your approach, you may need to pay for server resources or use paid services.
  • Platforms: May have associated fees, either for usage or for specific functionality.

Customer Care Details

Because MathJax is a free and open-source project, it does not have a dedicated customer care team in the same way a commercial software company would. However, here s how support and assistance are generally available:

• Documentation:
  • Official Website (www.mathjax.org): The website contains extensive documentation, tutorials, configuration options, and examples. This is your primary resource for learning how to use MathJax effectively.
  • API Documentation: Detailed documentation on all aspects of the API for developers.
• Community Support:
  • GitHub Repository (https://github.com/mathjax/MathJax): This is the hub for the project s development, where you can report bugs, suggest features, or contribute to the code.
  • Community Forums and Mailing Lists: Active online communities exist where users help each other with questions and issues.
  • Stack Overflow: Many questions about MathJax are answered on Stack Overflow, with the tag mathjax.
• No Direct Technical Support : Keep in mind there isn t a dedicated support team you can email or call for immediate help. Instead, you are expected to rely on the resources above and the community.

Key Takeaways

• MathJax is a powerful, free, and open-source tool for rendering math notation in web browsers.
• It operates on a donation-based and grant-funded model, without commercial intentions.
• While there are alternatives, MathJax remains a popular and versatile choice.
• Customer care is primarily through documentation and community support.

If you are planning on using math in a website or application, MathJax is very likely your best free option.