Re: [patch] Add two new header args to LaTeX block

[Juan Manuel Macías]

Ihor Radchenko writes:

> Juan Manuel Macías <maciaschain@posteo.net> writes:
>
>>> Moreover, it would be nice to unify handling .png and imagemagick
>>> branches of the code.
>>
>> I agree. In any case, I still think that the coexistence of two methods
>> to convert to images, when one of the methods has a scheme so different
>> from the rest, becomes difficult: for the user as well as for
>> maintaining the code.
>>
>> The first solution that occurs to me (I'm afraid it's too radical) is to
>> leave only the :imagemagick method, and maintain the possibility of
>> using the other one through a variable. Something like
>> org-babel-latex-default-image-conversion-method or something similar.
>> But I suppose this could cause unwanted inconveniences. We should see
>> what more users think.
>
> I am not sure.
> Conceptually, .png method is more flexible than imagemagick - it uses
> `org-create-formula-image' that is handling (1) preamble; (2) conversion
> not only to png but to svg and other arbitrary formats.
> ob-latex is duplicating org-create-formula-image code, layering custom
> latex preamble and more commands on top.
> So, ideally, I'd prefer to obsolete the custom code in ob-latex and make
> use of `org-create-formula-image', possibly extending it to fit ob-latex
> needs.

It is true that the "org-create-formula-image" method is much more
complete. But, IMHO, I think it's a method focused on the buffer (rather
than the block) or previewing LaTeX code in the buffer. In the case of
the LaTeX block, I think the :imagemagick method is simpler. It depends
on two simple processes: imagemagick and org-latex-pdf-process and
parameters such as the width or height of the generated image, the
density in dpi, etc. can be easily applied, via arguments. In the case
of the other method, in addition to the value of
org-preview-latex-default-process, there is that of
org-format-latex-options. There are, in short, many parameters that are
perfect for a file or an Emacs session but for a simple block I find
overhelming.

In any case, if the org-create-formula-image method is going to stay, I
think it is fine as it is (except for extending the allowed file formats
to more extensions, and not only .png). I also believe that the :process
argument is sufficient for the user to control the value of
org-latex-pdf-process or org-preview-latex-default-process, as
appropriate.

Best regards,

Juan Manuel 

-- 
Juan Manuel Macías -- Composición tipográfica, tratamiento de datos, diseño 
editorial y ortotipografía