8

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
Improve this question
8

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.
Improve this answer
3
  • Though it is an improvement, it seems so tedious. Is there no better way?
    – inspectorG4dget
    May 23 '13 at 0:04
  • @inspectorG4dget: See the updated answer.
    – juliohm
    May 23 '13 at 0:20
  • @inspectorG4dget Yes, there is another way. It is possible to use the mentioned package but in a modified way - see my answer...
    – e-birk
    May 23 '13 at 10:34
12

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:

enter image description here

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").

Improve this answer
9
  • I mention in my question that I can't change the document type, as I am writing my thesis. I explained that as a result, the algo package, which I linked to in my question, doesn't work for me
    – inspectorG4dget
    May 23 '13 at 14:16
  • @inspectorG4dget Yes, I know that restriction and therefore I showed in my answer how to circumvent it... My answer shows how to create a LyX module for the package and how to set it up. (Not all files of the original package are needed anymore!) BTW, a LyX module can be added to a document without changing the document class.
    – e-birk
    May 23 '13 at 16:29
  • Followed your instructions to the tee and even tried suggestions from here. I was ultimately unable to find "Algorithm support for LyX" under "Document settings > Modules".
    – inspectorG4dget
    May 24 '13 at 21:14
  • @inspectorG4dget It seems that the LyX module "Algorithm support for LyX" which was newly created in step 2 and 3 was not recognized. Did you put the file "algolyx.module" (which should look like this) into the directory ~/Library/Application Support/LyX-2.0/layout instead of ~/.lyx/layout since you are using Mac?
    – e-birk
    May 25 '13 at 17:17
  • Yes. I tried putting the module in both locations, which still didn't work
    – inspectorG4dget
    May 25 '13 at 17:21
0

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.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.