LatexToCalc Chrome Extension

LatexToCalc is a Chrome extension that simplifies the process of entering LaTeX-based math formulas into calculators. It captures LaTeX formulas from the clipboard and translates them into a format compatible with calculators like the TI-Nspire CX CAS or Speedcrunch.

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How it Works

LatexToCalc allows you to easily convert LaTeX equations into calculator-compatible formats. Here's how it works:

1. Command Trigger: Use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + Z) to activate the extension. It reads either selected text on a webpage or the content of your clipboard.

2. Text Extraction:

   • If the active page contains a LaTeX formula in a math editor or iframe (e.g., on kampus.sanomapro.fi), it extracts the LaTeX directly.
   • If no selection is made, it reads from the clipboard.

3. Translation: The LaTeX text is sent to the backend server, which converts it into a format compatible with your selected calculator (TI-Nspire or Speedcrunch). Cached results are used to avoid unnecessary requests.

4. Result Injection: Once translated, the expression is copied back to the clipboard, ready to be pasted into your calculator.

5. Error Handling: If translation fails (e.g., no internet connection), the extension provides an error message and offers troubleshooting tips.

Customizable Settings

LatexToCalc offers several customization options to tailor the translation to your needs:

Calculator Type

• TI-Nspire: Optimizes output for TI-Nspire CX CAS calculators (default)
• Speedcrunch: Formats output for Speedcrunch calculator

Constants Handling

You can customize how mathematical constants are treated during translation:

• Constants: General toggle for mathematical constants
• k as Coulomb's constant: Treats 'k' as Coulomb's constant in equations
• e as Euler's number: Treats 'e' as Euler's number (≈2.71828)
• i as imaginary unit: Treats 'i' as the imaginary unit (√-1)
• g as gravity: Treats 'g' as the gravitational constant

All settings are automatically saved to your browser's storage, ensuring your preferences persist between sessions.

Key Features

• Multiple Calculator Support: Choose between TI-Nspire and Speedcrunch formats
• Clipboard Translation: Effortlessly convert LaTeX formulas into calculator-friendly formats
• Cross-Site Support: Works seamlessly with math websites used in Finnish education
• Persistent Settings: Your configuration is saved automatically
• Cache and Retry Logic: Implements a caching mechanism for recent translations and automatic retries to ensure translations are successful even with server downtime

Supported Websites

LatexToCalc has been tested and works with:

• math-demo.abitti.fi
• sanomapro.fi
• mafytaulukot.fi
• maol.otava.fi

Error Management

LatexToCalc includes a robust error management system that ensures smooth user experience even when issues occur:

• Translation Failures: If a LaTeX formula cannot be translated, the extension notifies the user with an error message.
• Server Downtime: If the translation server is unavailable, the extension retries the request with alternative servers.
• Performance Logging: Detailed logs (usually hidden) provide insight into the translation process, helping identify potential bottlenecks and ensure smooth performance.

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Backend Overview

The translation engine powering LatexToCalc is LatexToCalc-Server, a Flask-based web application that handles requests for LaTeX translation, logging, and performance optimization.

• Flask Framework: A lightweight web application optimized for low-latency LaTeX translation using a REST API.
• Multi-Endpoint Architecture: Dedicated endpoints for translation, logging performance, and managing CORS preflight requests.
• Parallel Processing: Utilizes Gunicorn to handle concurrent translation requests efficiently.
• Error Logging and Management: Comprehensive error logging and performance tracking enable quick identification and resolution of issues.

Key Features of the Backend

• Translation Endpoint (/translate): Translates LaTeX formulas into a format compatible with calculators like the TI-Nspire CX CAS.
• Flask with Asynchronous Handling: Ensures high-performance processing by handling multiple requests simultaneously.
• Automated Setup: The start.sh script simplifies the server environment setup and dependency installation.
• CI/CD Integration: GitHub Actions runs tests automatically upon code changes, ensuring reliability and rapid detection of issues.

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Installation (Chrome Web Store)

1. Visit the Chrome Web Store page for LatexToCalc .
2. Click Add to Chrome and follow the prompts to install the extension.
3. Once installed, use the default hotkey Ctrl+Shift+Z to translate LaTeX equations from the clipboard into a calculator-friendly format.

For customization of keybindings, visit chrome://extensions/shortcuts.

Installation (Source code)

1. Clone or download this repository.
2. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions/.
3. Enable "Developer mode" in the top-right corner.
4. Click "Load unpacked" and select the LatexToCalc folder.