Tex2typst: Support For \operatorname*

We're thrilled to hear that you find tex2typst a useful open-source tool! Your feedback is incredibly valuable as we strive to make it even better. Today, let's dive into a specific area of discussion: the support for the \operatorname* command.

Understanding \operatorname* and its Role

In the realm of mathematical typesetting, \operatorname is a well-known command used to define custom operators. It ensures that these operators are typeset correctly, with appropriate spacing and italicization, distinguishing them from regular variables. However, there's a lesser-known but equally important variant: \operatorname*. The key difference lies in how it handles superscripts and subscripts. While the standard \operatorname places these adjuncts to the right of the operator (as is common in many mathematical contexts), \operatorname* is designed to position them directly above or below the operator. This behavior is particularly useful for certain mathematical notations, such as summation, product, or limit operators, where the upper and lower bounds are often written directly over and under the operator symbol itself. Think of the igcup or igcap symbols; their indices are placed in this manner. The * in \operatorname* signifies this specific placement behavior, making it a distinct tool for achieving precise mathematical layout. Supporting this command in tex2typst would allow for a more faithful conversion of complex mathematical expressions, ensuring that the visual representation accurately reflects the intended mathematical meaning and structure. Without this support, users might have to resort to manual adjustments or less elegant workarounds, which can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large documents.

The Current Challenge with \operatorname*

Currently, tex2typst encounters a hurdle when processing the \operatorname* command. As you've pointed out, the tool mistakenly converts \operatorname* into op("*"). This is an incorrect interpretation because \operatorname* is not intended to represent the multiplication operator * within an op() command. Instead, it's a directive for how an operator's superscripts and subscripts should be positioned relative to the operator itself. The output op("*") would imply that the asterisk is the operator in question, and any attached indices would be placed to its right, which is the default behavior for most operators and certainly not what \operatorname* intends. This misinterpretation can lead to significant inaccuracies in the converted mathematical formulas, potentially altering the intended meaning or at least the visual clarity of the expressions. For instance, a limit operation with its bound placed above (\ ext{lim}_{x\to\infty}) would be rendered incorrectly, losing its specialized notation. Addressing this specific conversion error is crucial for users who rely on \operatorname* for sophisticated mathematical typesetting, ensuring that the typst output retains the precision and visual fidelity of the original LaTeX source. It highlights a gap in tex2typst's ability to differentiate between a literal operator symbol and a command that dictates typesetting behavior.

Why \operatorname* Support Matters for tex2typst

Expanding tex2typst's capabilities to include proper handling of \operatorname* is not just about fixing a bug; it's about enhancing the tool's utility and accuracy for a wider range of mathematical expressions. Mathematical notation is rich and nuanced, with commands like \operatorname* serving essential roles in conveying complex ideas clearly and unambiguously. When tex2typst correctly interprets \operatorname*, it means that users working with advanced mathematical content – such as in physics, advanced calculus, statistics, or computer science theory – can transition their work to typst with greater confidence. This involves maintaining the integrity of operator-subscript/superscript relationships, which are fundamental to the readability and correctness of many mathematical formulas. For example, displaying integrals with limits, summations, or products, where the indices are positioned over and under the operator, requires this specific typesetting behavior. Without it, these expressions might be rendered in a way that is confusing, ambiguous, or simply incorrect, forcing users to manually edit the typst code or abandon the conversion altogether. By adding support for \operatorname*, tex2typst becomes a more robust and reliable converter, capable of handling a broader spectrum of LaTeX's mathematical typesetting features. This not only improves the user experience but also strengthens the appeal of typst as a modern and powerful typesetting system by ensuring seamless integration with existing LaTeX workflows. It's a step towards a more complete and sophisticated mathematical conversion pipeline, benefiting both casual users and professionals in technical fields.

Exploring Potential Solutions and the Path Forward

To effectively support \operatorname* in tex2typst, we need to ensure that the converter can distinguish this command from a simple operator definition. This likely involves enhancing the parser to recognize \operatorname* as a distinct command with specific rendering instructions, rather than just an operator name. When \operatorname* is encountered, tex2typst should ideally translate it into the equivalent typst construct that achieves the same above/below placement of subscripts and superscripts. In typst, this might involve using the op() function with specific parameters or perhaps a different, dedicated function if typst evolves to include one for this precise purpose. For example, if op(identifier, base, supplement) is the general form, \operatorname*{Op} might translate to `op(