python - Creating LaTeX math macros within Sphinx

Question

I'm writing some mathematical code in Python and using Sphinx to produce the documentation. I know that Sphinx can handle LaTeX code in Python docstrings; see https://www.sphinx-doc.org/en/master/usage/extensions/math.html#module-sphinx.ext.mathbase. How can I create LaTeX macros, such as ewcommand{cG}{mathcal{G}}, to use in the Python docstrings?

Answer 1

If you are using MathJax, here's a possible solution. I'm still looking for a nicer solution, but it might help if you need a quick hack.

1. Create a file under the directory specified in the html_static_path configuration option (typically _static), say mathconf.js. This will contain the JS configuration for MathJax. For instance (from the MathJax documentation):

   MathJax.Hub.Config({
     TeX: {
       Macros: {
         RR: '{\bf R}',
         bold: ['{\bf #1}', 1]
       }
     }
   });
   

   You can add more commands following the syntax above. The contents shown define the macros RR and old{#1}, this last one accepting one argument.

2. Add a layout.html file at the _templates directory. The idea is to extend the current theme, so it searches the previous MathJax configuration file. Thus, the contents are:

   {% extends "!layout.html" %}
   {% set script_files = script_files + ["_static/mathconf.js"] %}
   

   Note that in this case it is the _static directory, because in this case it refers to where to search after the build. Sphinx will have moved the file from html_static_path to the _static directory under the build directory.