Write Latex

---
name: write-latex
description: >-
  Apply LaTeX typesetting conventions from AMS, IEEE, ISO 80000-2, and Knuth.
  Use when writing or reviewing .tex files, preambles, macros, or BibTeX.
---

# Write LaTeX

Apply the LaTeX conventions from the reference files below when creating or
editing LaTeX source.

## Core Principles

1. **Semantic markup over visual hacks** -- use the right command for its
   meaning, not for its appearance
1. **Standard compliance** -- follow AMS, ISO 80000-2, and IEEE conventions
1. **No deprecated constructs** -- never use `$$`, `eqnarray`, `\def`,
   `\centerline`, `\over`, or two-letter font commands
1. **Macro discipline** -- define `\newcommand` macros for recurring notation
   so a single edit propagates everywhere

## Workflow

1. Review against the essential checklist:
   `./references/essential/checklist.md`
1. For specific questions, consult the comprehensive references below

## Reference Navigation

**Quick reviews (default):**

- `references/essential/checklist.md` -- condensed, actionable rules

**Deep dives by topic:**

- `references/comprehensive/math-typesetting.md` -- display math, environments,
  operators, delimiters, fractions, ellipsis, mathtools
- `references/comprehensive/iso-conventions.md` -- ISO 80000-2: variables,
  constants, vectors, differential notation, custom macros
- `references/comprehensive/tables.md` -- booktabs, caption placement, column
  alignment, complete examples
- `references/comprehensive/bibliography.md` -- BibTeX: capital protection,
  DOI, journal abbreviations, backref
- `references/comprehensive/packages.md` -- recommended packages with load
  order: mathtools, cleveref, hyperref, siunitx, microtype, and more
- `references/comprehensive/spacing-and-alignment.md` -- math spaces, phantom
  alignment, intertext, Knuth's @ technique
- `references/comprehensive/common-mistakes.md` -- deprecated commands and
  their modern replacements
- `references/comprehensive/figures-and-floats.md` -- graphics formats,
  subcaption, float placement, caption conventions
- `references/comprehensive/macros-and-cross-refs.md` -- macro design,
  cleveref cross-references, label prefixes
- `references/comprehensive/document-conventions.md` -- equation punctuation,
  enumitem lists, unbreakable spaces, hyperref metadata

## Sources

- Downes, M. and Beeton, B. _Short Math Guide for LaTeX_. AMS, 2017.
- IEEE. _Math Typesetting Guide for LaTeX Users_.
- Higham, N. J. Blog posts on tables, BibTeX, packages, spacing, ISO
  typesetting, ellipses, lists, and book writing. 2013--2021.
- Beeton, B. "How to Typeset Equations in LaTeX." _TUGboat_ 18(1), 1997.
- Chen, E. _LaTeX Style Guide_. web.evanchen.cc.
- Ensenbach, M. et al. _l2tabu: A List of Don'ts in LaTeX_.
- Voss, H. _Mathmode_. CTAN.
- Mittelbach, F. and Fischer, U. _The LaTeX Companion_. 3rd ed., 2024.
- MathSciNet. _Serials Abbreviations_.