Convert TEX to MediaWiki

Why Convert TEX to MediaWiki?

Converting TEX to MediaWiki transforms your LaTeX documents into wiki markup that can be directly used on Wikipedia, corporate wikis, and any MediaWiki-powered platform. This is especially valuable for researchers and academics who want to share their LaTeX-authored content on collaborative wiki platforms where a broader audience can access and contribute to it.

Academic institutions and research groups often maintain knowledge bases on MediaWiki platforms. Migrating existing LaTeX papers, lecture notes, and technical documentation into wiki format makes the content accessible to collaborators who may not be familiar with LaTeX. This converter automates the process, translating \section commands into == wiki headings ==, \textbf into '''wiki bold''', \begin{itemize} lists into * wiki lists, and tables into {| wiki table |} syntax.

The conversion preserves the document's logical structure: section and subsection levels map to the corresponding number of = signs, itemize environments become * bullet lists, enumerate environments become # numbered lists, and hyperlinks are transformed into MediaWiki link syntax. Mathematical expressions can be wrapped in <math> tags for rendering by the MediaWiki math extension.

Once converted, the MediaWiki markup can be pasted directly into any wiki page's edit view. The wiki engine handles rendering, cross-linking, categorization, and version history automatically. This makes TEX to MediaWiki conversion ideal for publishing research summaries, creating wiki-based course materials, or sharing scientific knowledge in a collaborative environment.

Key Benefits of Converting TEX to MediaWiki:

• Wikipedia Compatibility: Output works directly on Wikipedia and all MediaWiki installations
• Wider Audience: Make academic content accessible to readers unfamiliar with LaTeX
• Collaborative Editing: Enable multiple users to edit and improve content via the wiki platform
• Math Support: LaTeX equations can be preserved using MediaWiki's <math> tag extension
• Built-in Versioning: Every edit is tracked automatically by the wiki system
• Cross-linking: Create [[internal links]] between related wiki pages easily
• Proven at Scale: MediaWiki powers Wikipedia with over 60 million articles

Practical Examples

Example 1: Academic Paper to Wiki Article

Input TEX file (quantum-computing.tex):

\documentclass{article}
\title{Introduction to Quantum Computing}
\author{Dr. Alice Chen}
\begin{document}
\maketitle

\section{Overview}
Quantum computing leverages \textbf{quantum mechanics}
to process information in fundamentally new ways.

\subsection{Key Concepts}
\begin{itemize}
  \item Superposition
  \item Entanglement
  \item Quantum gates
\end{itemize}

The state of a qubit is described by
$|\psi\rangle = \alpha|0\rangle + \beta|1\rangle$

\end{document}

Output MediaWiki file (quantum-computing.mediawiki):

= Introduction to Quantum Computing =

== Overview ==

Quantum computing leverages '''quantum mechanics'''
to process information in fundamentally new ways.

=== Key Concepts ===

* Superposition
* Entanglement
* Quantum gates

The state of a qubit is described by
<math>|\psi\rangle = \alpha|0\rangle + \beta|1\rangle</math>

Example 2: Lecture Notes to Course Wiki

Input TEX file (calculus-notes.tex):

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

\section{Differential Calculus}
\subsection{Limits and Continuity}
A function $f(x)$ is continuous at $x = a$ if:
\begin{enumerate}
  \item $f(a)$ is defined
  \item $\lim_{x \to a} f(x)$ exists
  \item $\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a)$
\end{enumerate}

\subsection{Derivatives}
\begin{tabular}{|l|l|}
\hline
Function & Derivative \\
\hline
$x^n$ & $nx^{n-1}$ \\
$\sin(x)$ & $\cos(x)$ \\
$e^x$ & $e^x$ \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

\end{document}

Output MediaWiki file (calculus-notes.mediawiki):

= Differential Calculus =

== Limits and Continuity ==

A function <math>f(x)</math> is continuous
at <math>x = a</math> if:

# <math>f(a)</math> is defined
# <math>\lim_{x \to a} f(x)</math> exists
# <math>\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a)</math>

== Derivatives ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Function !! Derivative
|-
| <math>x^n</math> || <math>nx^{n-1}</math>
|-
| <math>\sin(x)</math> || <math>\cos(x)</math>
|-
| <math>e^x</math> || <math>e^x</math>
|}

Example 3: Research Bibliography to Wiki References

Input TEX file (ml-survey.tex):

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

\section{Machine Learning Methods}
\subsection{Supervised Learning}
Supervised learning uses \textbf{labeled datasets}
to train predictive models~\cite{bishop2006}.

\subsection{Neural Networks}
Deep learning extends traditional neural networks
with multiple hidden layers~\cite{goodfellow2016}.

The loss function is defined as:
$$L(\theta) = -\sum_{i} y_i \log(\hat{y}_i)$$

\begin{thebibliography}{9}
\bibitem{bishop2006} Bishop, C.M. (2006).
  \textit{Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning}.
\bibitem{goodfellow2016} Goodfellow, I. et al. (2016).
  \textit{Deep Learning}. MIT Press.
\end{thebibliography}

\end{document}

Output MediaWiki file (ml-survey.mediawiki):

= Machine Learning Methods =

== Supervised Learning ==

Supervised learning uses '''labeled datasets'''
to train predictive models.

== Neural Networks ==

Deep learning extends traditional neural networks
with multiple hidden layers.

The loss function is defined as:

:<math>L(\theta) = -\sum_{i} y_i \log(\hat{y}_i)</math>

== References ==

* Bishop, C.M. (2006). ''Pattern Recognition
  and Machine Learning''.
* Goodfellow, I. et al. (2016).
  ''Deep Learning''. MIT Press.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How are LaTeX math formulas handled in MediaWiki?

A: LaTeX mathematical expressions are wrapped in <math> tags in the MediaWiki output. MediaWiki natively supports LaTeX math rendering through its Math extension, so formulas like $E = mc^2$ become <math>E = mc^2</math> and are rendered correctly on Wikipedia and other MediaWiki installations with the extension enabled.

Q: Can I paste the output directly into Wikipedia?

A: Yes, the converted MediaWiki markup can be pasted directly into the source editor of any MediaWiki-based site, including Wikipedia. Simply open the edit view of a wiki page, switch to source editing mode, and paste the markup. The wiki will render it with proper formatting, headings, tables, and math formulas.

Q: What happens to LaTeX packages and custom macros?

A: LaTeX preamble content such as \usepackage commands and custom macro definitions are not carried over to MediaWiki, as the wiki engine does not support them. The converter focuses on the document body content: headings, text formatting, lists, tables, and math. Custom macros should be expanded or simplified before conversion for best results.

Q: How are LaTeX tables converted to wiki tables?

A: LaTeX tabular environments are converted to MediaWiki table syntax using {| for table start, |- for row separators, ! for header cells, | for data cells, and |} for table end. The class="wikitable" attribute is added for standard wiki styling. Simple tables convert well; complex tables with multicolumn or multirow may need manual adjustment.

Q: Are BibTeX references preserved during conversion?

A: BibTeX bibliography entries are converted into a plain-text references section in MediaWiki format. Citation commands like \cite{key} are resolved where possible. For full citation support on a wiki, you may want to use MediaWiki's <ref> tags and the Cite extension after conversion to enable footnote-style references.

Q: What about LaTeX figures and images?

A: Images referenced in LaTeX via \includegraphics cannot be directly embedded in MediaWiki markup because wiki platforms host images separately. The converter preserves text content and structure. To include images on a wiki, you need to upload them to the wiki's file repository and then reference them using [[File:ImageName.png]] syntax in the markup.

Q: Can I convert back from MediaWiki to TEX?

A: The conversion from MediaWiki back to TEX is possible but will not restore LaTeX-specific features like custom packages, precise typographic control, bibliography databases, or complex mathematical environments. MediaWiki markup only preserves structural formatting, so always keep your original TEX source files if you need the full LaTeX functionality later.

Q: Which wiki platforms support this output?

A: The MediaWiki markup output is compatible with all MediaWiki-based platforms, including Wikipedia, Wiktionary, Wikimedia Commons, Fandom/Wikia, corporate MediaWiki installations, and any site running MediaWiki software. Math formulas require the MediaWiki Math extension, which is enabled on most major wikis including all Wikimedia projects.