katex vs mathjax

Scotty Moe

Updated on:

This article aims to compare the performance of three widely used libraries for rendering mathematical equations on the web: MathJax, MathQuill, and KaTeX.

The comparison is based on various performance tests conducted to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of these libraries.

MathQuill emerges as the fastest option, although there is uncertainty regarding its asynchronous mode. It is primarily recommended for editing purposes.

On the other hand, KaTeX is known for its exceptional speed, while MathJax is preferred for its comprehensive support of LaTeX. However, both KaTeX and MathQuill have limitations in terms of their LaTeX support, making them less suitable for rendering static mathematics.

Additionally, the article briefly mentions the obsolete alternative, jsMath.

The recommended library for both editing and rendering static TeX content is mathlive.

The objective of this article is to provide detailed research and analysis, avoiding subjective opinions.

Further information and related discussions on MathJax, KaTeX, and MathQuill can be found in the resources section.

Performance Comparison

Based on performance tests, MathQuill is found to be the fastest option among MathJax, MathQuill, and KaTeX. MathJax, although slower, offers almost complete LaTeX support.

MathQuill runs in sync-mode but has an async setup. Enabling the async checkbox in MathQuill prevents the render event from firing. However, there is uncertainty regarding whether MathQuill is actually async.

On the other hand, KaTeX is faster than MathJax according to most benchmarks, but it has incomplete support for LaTeX.

In summary, MathQuill is recommended for editing purposes, while KaTeX is recommended for speed. MathJax, with its slower performance, is recommended for its comprehensiveness.

Additionally, jsMath is mentioned as an outdated alternative to these three libraries.

Use Cases

When considering use cases, it is recommended to utilize MathQuill for editing, KaTeX for speed, and MathJax for its comprehensiveness.

MathQuill is specifically designed for editing mathematical equations and expressions, making it the ideal choice for applications that require extensive user input and interaction with mathematical content.

On the other hand, KaTeX is known for its impressive speed and efficiency in rendering mathematical expressions, making it a suitable option for applications that prioritize performance.

Finally, MathJax stands out for its comprehensive support for LaTeX, making it the go-to choice for applications that require full compatibility with LaTeX syntax and advanced mathematical formatting.

Ultimately, the choice between these libraries depends on the specific requirements and priorities of the project at hand.

Limitations

The limitations of these libraries include limited LaTeX support for MathQuill when it comes to rendering static math, and incomplete LaTeX support for KaTeX.

MathQuill is not a good option for rendering static math due to its limited LaTeX support, making it more suitable for editing purposes.

On the other hand, KaTeX also has incomplete support for LaTeX, which may restrict its usage in certain scenarios.

It is important to consider these limitations when choosing between MathQuill and KaTeX, as they may affect the performance and functionality of the libraries in specific use cases.

Additional research and evaluation of the specific requirements and constraints of the project are recommended to make an informed decision.

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