Use algorithmic in LyX

Question

I'm used to using the algorithmic package in LaTeX, but don't see an easy way to use it in LyX. I even tried this, but it didn't work. Further, it required me to change my document type, which is a problem for me, as I am writing my thesis and require a specific document type.

How may I go about using the algorithmic package in LyX?

Technical specs:

• Mac OS X 10.7.5 (Lion)
• LyX 2.0.6

Answer 1

The LyX way of inserting algorithms:

1. Insert->Float->Algorithm
2. Insert->TeX Code
3. Paste your algorithmic code from your favorite editor Ctrl+Shift+V.

Answer 2

The mentioned Algorithm-Style Package for LyX (version 0.3) does not provide LyX module support since it was written for an older LyX version without module support. My approach creates a LyX module that can be used with every document class. Hence, it circumvents the necessity of the original package to use a certain document class.

The instructions below will install the package and add module support. Actually they replace the instructions of Readme.txt of the package. The files algorithm.inc and article-algo.layout of the original package are not needed anymore. $HOME will stand for your home directory.

1. unpack the archive algo-0.3.tar.gz,
2. copy the file algorithm.inc to $HOME/.lyx/layouts and rename it to algolyx.module,

3. insert the following lines at the very beginning of the file algolyx.module

   #\DeclareLyXModule{Algorithm support for LyX}
   #DescriptionBegin
   #This module provides a text style to write algorithms using the
   #packages "algorithm" and "algorithmic".
   #DescriptionEnd
   

   (Now algolyx.module became the needed module.)

4. in LyX run "Tools > Reconfigure" and restart LyX,

5. copy the file algolyx.sty to the directory $HOME/texmf/tex/latex (needs to be created possibly) and run texhash (or alternatively, copy the file algolyx.sty into each directory that contains a LyX document using this module).

For your document, add the module "Algorithm support for LyX" under "Document settings > Modules". In an algorithm float ("Insert > Float > Algorithm") choose the text style "Algorithm" and write an algorithm. The indentation is controlled by using nesting of lists, that is, "Increase depth" Alt+Shift+Right and "Decrease depth" Alt+Shift+Left. Each statement starting without any keyword must be preceded by a star *. Here is an example:

For more examples, have a look at my answer here or the example provided by algo-0.3.tar.gz (to get it working with the modified setup, you need to add the module "Algorithm support for LyX" and change the document class to "article").

Answer 3

In Windows 7,algolyx.module has to be put under %APPDATA%\LyX2.0\layouts, where the value of %APPDATA% can be checked by running "set" in command prompt.