# Formatting Equations on the WWW

There are various technologies that could be used for creating equations on the web. The rendering tools below are supported by Pandoc, allowing the insertion of equations using TeX syntax.

## Image Files

The simplest (backend-wise) option is just storing the equation as an image. This can work, if you don't mind having your website look like something from the '90s. It's also annoying since you have to manually format the equation, export it to an image file, then insert with an <img> tag.

## MathML

What should be the standard is MathML. It's probably faster than image files, since the code can be embedded in the HTML file, and doesn't require JavaScript.

However, despite a web standard, it is only supported by FireFox and Safari. As an additional kick in the teeth, its rendering is regrettably inferior to other options.

## MathJax

This is what Google wants us to use, so it's slow and full of JavaScript.

## Webtex

This is another option supported by Pandoc, but has one up on MathJax by working automatically. On the downside, it's slower and looks rubbish.

## Conclusion

It pains me to admit that MathJax is objectively the best in terms of quality, and is usually fast enough. The script will also render MathML in the page, as well as TeX commands.

However, MathML works without JavaScript so I'll be using it here until I am able (and want) to host my own non-static site.

If this doesn't render properly, get a better browser:

$\int x dx = \frac{1}{2} x^2 + c$