Dynamic Number dynamically typesets values generated in different kinds of scripts in LaTeX through the use of symbolic links. The aim is to reduce errors resulting from out-of-date numbers by directly setting them in the number generating file and importing the value through a symbolic link in the LaTeX source file.
Attention The symbolic links mentioned here are not related in any kind to the symbolic links used in UNIX systems. See example below to see what is meant with a symbolic link.
It can be used to import not only numerical values into LaTeX, but even strings and pieces of code are possible. The main repository is located in this repository. Check the README for detailed installation and how-to-use examples.
The main philosophy behind the package is:
When someone writes a piece of code that simulates something and the result is a number called x. This number is then used in a report, describing the findings of this simulation. Previously, this person would just type the number inside the LaTeX report, but this is quite cumbersome and not always up-to-date with most recent simulations if you forget to update the value x.
How does it work?
The value $$ x $$ is written to a “symbolic link” (i.e. a line in a file) that is just a name for the variable. These “symbolic links” are listed in a file (list-file, multiple file can be loaded). This file is then loaded by the LaTeX package and one can just use the “symbolic link” to add the actual value. This way, the most up-to-date values are always used. This explains also the project’s name, “dynamic number”, since numbers (and possibly other things) are typeset dynamically.
Support
Currently, there is only support for Python and MATLAB for scripting and LaTeX for importing.
A publication to the package indexes has also been done: