Re: [PATCH v2] org-manual.org: $n$-th is not math

[Ihor Radchenko]

Rudolf Adamkovič <salutis@me.com> writes:

> The attempts were always rejected.  So, just a "bummer".  :)

As I said in the linked message, supporting "-" will not solve the basic
issue, which is with the Org syntax not being LaTeX. Intra-word markup,
including $...$, requires workarounds. It is the trade-off we have to
take.

https://list.orgmode.org/87r18t7fc5.fsf@localhost

>>>   The problem with parsing is more than just supporting $i$-th and
>>>   similar. For example, AMS style guide explicitly advises against using
>>>   $i$-th in favour of $i$th [1]:
>>>
>>>       Do not hyphenate “th” expressions: xth, not x-th or xth .
>>>
>>>   We can theoretically make a change to support "-", but then it will be
>>>   logical to support $i$th as well. (If we don't some users will still be
>>>   confused after trying to write $i$th and then not getting the expected
>>>   results). In this question, it would make sense to implement
>>>   all-or-everything approach. Otherwise, confusion (like raised in this
>>>   thread) will be inevitable.
>>>
>>>   However, from point of view of Org mode parser, supporting $i$th is a
>>>   nightmare.  Remember that Org mode is _not_ LaTeX and we have to support
>>>   a lot more frivolous syntax (even in LaTeX, runaway $ is often a source
>>>   of cryptic compilation errors). Currently, we _must_ rely on heuristics
>>>   to determine $$-style latex fragments. I do not know any way to support
>>>   $$ syntax without creating deviations from LaTeX. Extending the
>>>   heuristics will not resolve the underlying ambiguity of $$ syntax, just
>>>   hide it within even more obscure cases.

-- 
Ihor Radchenko // yantar92,
Org mode contributor,
Learn more about Org mode at <https://orgmode.org/>.
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