[Blindmath] TeX Editors

Wed Sep 18 21:45:31 UTC 2013

Hi,

TeXnicCenter is a TeX editor, although it could be used as a text editor if someone wanted to I guess. Note the difference between TeX and text.

It has menus and hot keys for the inclusion of standard TeX commands (including environments) that are commonly used. These include mathematical expressions as well as formatting of regular text.

It has menu items for processing the raw TeX file(s) into the desired finished product file type. Default types are dvi ps and pdf. I haven't tried to but expect it wouldn't bee too difficult to use html or xhtml via the tex4ht tools as well.

My comments re the beta are not based on my own issues with the beta version as my very limited experience suggests there isn't a problem. I do know that others do shy away from beta products, so I wanted to point out the usefulness of the last stable release.

Jonathan

-----Original Message-----
From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Steve Jacobson
Sent: Thursday, 19 September 2013 2:46 a.m.
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] TeX Editors

Jonathan,

Could you briefly describe what this editor does specific to TeX?  There are a few free text editors around that generally work all right with screen readers that are pretty configurable, but if there are strong advantages to TexnicCenter, we should probably be watching to be sure that accessibility modes survive in the beta.  I am sometimes concerned when a separate accessibility mode is implemented because so often something eventually happens that either limits its usefulness or it turns out it can't be supported.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

On Tue, 17 Sep 2013 21:33:48 +0000, Godfrey, Jonathan wrote:

>Justin,

>I use plain old notepad and batch files to process the files into all 
>the formats I need. It's hard to teach an old dog new
tricks.

>Having said that, I recommend new users (blind and sighted) look at TeXnicCenter.

>It does have a specific switch in the preferences for use by visually 
>impaired users and then works as well as any editor I've
seen. As I recall, the usability without changing this preference is limited.

>It is free.

>No obvious disadvantages.

>Look up the sessions on its use that have been held at the ICCHP Summer 
>University. Recordings of these workshops are available
for a number of past events, but I'm not completely sure the 2013 recordings from earlier this month are available yet. This will give you a head start as a blind person that isn't available for other editors.

>There is no need to use the beta version currently available as far as I am aware.

>Jonathan

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
>Justin Salisbury
>Sent: Wednesday, 18 September 2013 9:02 a.m.
>To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
>Subject: [Blindmath] TeX Editors

>Dear List,

>I am trying to get started working in TeX.  I have had some people 
>recommend PCTeX, which costs money, and, with so many free
editors out there, I want to pick a free one that works well with JAWS if I can.

>Could people briefly list for me, please:

>(a)    The TeX editor you use

>(b)   The pros and cons of it, including but not limited to how well it works with JAWS?

>(c)    How much it costs

>Thank you!

>Justin Salisbury

>Justin M. Salisbury
>Graduate Student
>Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics The University of 
>Wisconsin-Madison president at alumni.ecu.edu
<mailto:president at alumni.ecu.edu>

>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can 
>change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever
has."    -MARGARET MEAD

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