Convert TEX to ADOC

Why Convert LaTeX to AsciiDoc?

Converting LaTeX documents to AsciiDoc format is useful when you want to make academic or scientific content more accessible for web publishing, documentation systems, or collaborative editing. While LaTeX excels at typesetting complex mathematical documents, AsciiDoc offers simpler syntax and easier integration with modern documentation workflows.

LaTeX was created by Leslie Lamport in 1984 as a set of macros for Donald Knuth's TeX typesetting system. It became the de facto standard for academic publishing, especially in STEM fields. However, its verbose syntax and compilation requirements can be barriers for web-first documentation projects.

AsciiDoc provides a middle ground between LaTeX's power and Markdown's simplicity. It supports mathematical notation (via MathJax or KaTeX), semantic document structure, and can generate multiple output formats. For documentation that needs to be both human-readable and web-friendly, AsciiDoc is often the better choice.

One key advantage of converting LaTeX to AsciiDoc is improved collaboration. AsciiDoc files work seamlessly with Git and other version control systems, showing meaningful diffs and supporting branch/merge workflows. Teams can contribute without needing LaTeX expertise.

Key Benefits of Converting TEX to AsciiDoc:

• Simpler Syntax: More intuitive markup than LaTeX commands
• Web Publishing: Easy conversion to HTML for documentation sites
• Version Control: Clean diffs in Git without LaTeX noise
• Collaboration: Lower barrier to entry for non-LaTeX users
• Multi-Format: Generate HTML, PDF, EPUB from single source
• Modern Tooling: Integrates with CI/CD and documentation pipelines
• Math Support: MathJax/KaTeX for equations when needed

Practical Examples

Example 1: Academic Paper Section

Input TEX file (paper.tex):

\section{Introduction}

This paper presents our findings on quantum
computing algorithms. We demonstrate that
\textbf{Grover's algorithm} provides a
quadratic speedup for search problems.

\subsection{Background}
The complexity of classical search is $O(n)$,
while quantum search achieves $O(\sqrt{n})$.

Output ADOC file (paper.adoc):

== Introduction

This paper presents our findings on quantum
computing algorithms. We demonstrate that
*Grover's algorithm* provides a
quadratic speedup for search problems.

=== Background

The complexity of classical search is latexmath:[O(n)],
while quantum search achieves latexmath:[O(\sqrt{n})].

Example 2: Technical Documentation

Input TEX file (guide.tex):

\section{Installation}

\begin{enumerate}
  \item Download the package
  \item Extract the archive
  \item Run the installer
\end{enumerate}

\textbf{Note:} Requires Python 3.8+

\begin{verbatim}
pip install mypackage
\end{verbatim}

Output ADOC file (guide.adoc):

== Installation

. Download the package
. Extract the archive
. Run the installer

NOTE: Requires Python 3.8+

[source,bash]
----
pip install mypackage
----

Example 3: Mathematical Content

Input TEX file (math.tex):

\section{Equations}

The quadratic formula is:
\begin{equation}
  x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
\end{equation}

Einstein's famous equation:
\[ E = mc^2 \]

Output ADOC file (math.adoc):

== Equations

The quadratic formula is:

[latexmath]
++++
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
++++

Einstein's famous equation:

latexmath:[E = mc^2]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is LaTeX/TEX?

A: LaTeX is a document preparation system built on top of TeX, a typesetting system created by Donald Knuth in 1978. LaTeX was created by Leslie Lamport in 1984 to make TeX easier to use. It's the standard for academic publishing in mathematics, physics, computer science, and other STEM fields due to its excellent handling of mathematical notation and professional typesetting.

Q: Will my LaTeX equations be preserved?

A: Mathematical equations are converted to AsciiDoc's math syntax using the `latexmath:[]` inline macro or `[latexmath]` block. The LaTeX math notation inside is preserved, so equations will render correctly when processed with MathJax or KaTeX. Complex equation environments may need minor adjustments.

Q: What happens to LaTeX packages and custom commands?

A: Custom LaTeX commands and package-specific features are converted to their text equivalents where possible. Some advanced features (like TikZ diagrams or custom environments) may be simplified. Review the output and adjust as needed for your specific use case.

Q: Can I convert AsciiDoc back to LaTeX?

A: Yes, AsciiDoc can be converted to LaTeX using Asciidoctor with the asciidoctor-latex extension or via Pandoc. This makes AsciiDoc a good intermediate format for documentation that needs both web (HTML) and print (PDF via LaTeX) outputs.

Q: Is AsciiDoc good for academic papers?

A: For final journal submissions, most academic publishers require LaTeX or Word. However, AsciiDoc is excellent for working drafts, internal documentation, and papers destined for web publication. You can always convert back to LaTeX for final submission. Some conferences and journals are beginning to accept AsciiDoc.

Q: How does AsciiDoc handle bibliographies?

A: AsciiDoc supports bibliographies through the asciidoctor-bibtex extension, which can process BibTeX files. While not as feature-rich as LaTeX's natbib or biblatex, it handles most common citation needs. For complex bibliography requirements, you may want to keep using LaTeX.

Q: What's the advantage over just using LaTeX?

A: The main advantages are: (1) simpler syntax that's easier for collaborators who don't know LaTeX; (2) better Git diffs since there's less boilerplate; (3) native HTML output for documentation websites; (4) easier integration with modern documentation pipelines. LaTeX is still better for complex academic publishing needs.