Re: Math on the web without MathML (CSS 2.1 rendering for HTML and XML)

Patrick Ion wrote:

> You are right that, in effect, this is a MathML list nowadays.  But
> Juan is technically correct that it was conceived to discuss math on
> the Web more generally. Perhaps the present situation may be summed
> up by saying 'www-math is a place to discuss the W3C's efforts to
> facilitate communicating math on the Web'.  So naturally the messages
> are mostly about MathML and its interactions with other W3C
> technologies.

I was simply following the description of the list

[http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/www-math/]

<blockquote>
www-math is a public mailing list, maintained by W3C, for comments and
discussion on MathML, HTML and math on the Web.
</blockquote>

Since CSS approach can be used with content MathML, OpenMath, generic XML,
and even HTML, I think that fit well in the list. On any case, there is
enough MathMl folks at this list and they could solicit me –I consider so-
that this list is not the correct place and then I would stop from posting
there.

> It has to be admitted that Juan R and George C are proposing use
> of W3C specs (XML and CSS).

The CSS approach also works with HTML, XHTML, and even could be used in a
SGML framework (duplicating CSS approach in DSSSL). And also works with
other non-w3c initiatives as HTML5.

The CSS approach also works with XSL-FO (duplicating CSS with FO elements).

> However, it seems  to be clear
> that they are proposing that yet another markup language for
> math be specified, as is implicit in George's Universal Math
> Style Sheet (cf., say, the new elements <ker> <sat> </line/> <wrap/>).

Are two different issues would be not mixed.

One thing is markup suitable for semantic, structural and CSS and DOM
friendly for the preparation of mathematical and scientific documents. For
instance XML-MAIDEN approach.

Other thing is the CSS rendering, which can be also used with practically
any markup via transformations. E.g. content MathML

<apply>
  <divide/>
  <ci>b</ci>
  <cn>2</cn>
</apply>

can be transformed (JS, XSLT...) to any markup compatible with CSS
rendering (e.g. George XML MAIDEN, HTML5-Math proposal, etc.) and next
displayed via CSS.

>
>          Patrick


Juan R.

Center for CANONICAL |SCIENCE)

Received on Saturday, 15 July 2006 14:04:08 UTC