0.10 Writing mathml

We have worked with programs like Dreamweaver and Frontpage to write HTML mark-ups. On similar lines, there are programs to generate MathML mark-ups with built in facilities for error handling and testing. Using specialized programs to generate codes is generally the fastest way to write MathML codes.

Using specialized programs has the obvious advantage, but with certain overheads. It requires that we go through the process of familiarization with the program interface and understand the working philosophy of the same. Though these programs are robust and designed to fit in with all sorts of operating systems and deal with interoperability issues, there remains a remote possibility of mismatch and one has to take appropriate safeguards against difficulties arising out of the same. Worst of this approach is the sense of working within a “block box”, which might spring surprises with regard to what we expect and what the program delivers.

As against above, coding in the native way, using plain text editor has the disadvantages of the requirement of knowing MathML specification and relatively slower pace of coding. The first aspect, though, can be used to advantage as you have to understand the syntax, grammar, underlying features, limitations and possibilities of the MathML, knowing fully well about what can be done and what can not be done with MathML. So, there is less likelyhood of a surprise situation.

Further, it is a real possibility that you may actually cut down on the encoding substantially (typing per se) along with a corresponding increase in the coding speed. However, this would require a bit of planning and proficiency in copy (ctrl + c), cut (ctrl + x) and paste (ctrl + v) operations with a block of codes from one place to another.

Features of mathml encoding

Before, we get into the rhythm of encoding, let us discuss the important features of MathML coding and our mathematical content requirement that would help us formulate an efficient approach to write MathML codes.

1: There are 30 elements in total with about 50 specific attributes, apart from common attributes.

2: A MathML coding is sensitive to the context and material being encoded. If your module involves matrix operation, then we might be using the set of table forming elements more frequently. This means that we shall be limited in using elements – may be not more than 10 to 15 of them in a given context (project). Further, we may not require to change the attributes except on few occasions.

3: Mathematical display is a two dimensional representation, but its coding is essentially linear, in which terms are connected with operators from left to write. As a consequence, codes are written progressively from left to right of the mathematical expressions and equations.

4: The vertical expansion of mathematical expression is controlled by a central element. For example a vertical stack may be structured on a form, implemented by “mfrac” element.