KaTeX facts for kids
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| Stable release |
v0.16.10 / March 24, 2024
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|---|---|
| Written in | JavaScript |
| Operating system | Cross-platform |
| Type | Mathematical software |
| License | MIT License |
KaTeX is a special computer program that helps show math equations on websites. It's like a super-fast math typewriter for the internet! It works on almost any web browser, like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
This program was first created by Khan Academy, which is famous for its free online lessons. In 2014, KaTeX became one of the most popular new projects on GitHub, a website where people share computer code.
What is KaTeX and how does it work?
KaTeX is a type of JavaScript library. Think of a JavaScript library as a collection of pre-written code that makes it easier for websites to do cool things. KaTeX's job is to take special math code, like what you might see in a science textbook, and turn it into clear, easy-to-read math symbols right in your web browser.
It's designed to be very quick and simple to use. When you visit a website that uses KaTeX, the math equations appear almost instantly without making the page slow down.
Why is KaTeX useful?
KaTeX is really good at showing math because it has several helpful features:
- Super Fast: It shows math equations right away. This means you don't have to wait for the page to load slowly.
- Looks Great: The math it shows looks just like it would in a printed textbook. This is because it uses a special design system called TeX, which is known for making beautiful documents.
- Works Alone: KaTeX doesn't need other programs to run. It's like a self-contained tool that you can easily add to any website.
- Server-Side Power: It can even create the math equations on a computer server before sending them to your web browser. This can make websites even faster, especially for pages with lots of math.
KaTeX can display many types of math symbols and equations. However, it doesn't have every single math feature that a bigger program like MathJax might have. It focuses on being fast and efficient for most common math needs.
See also
- MathML
