Kronecker delta notation

Question

Is there an easier way to enter KroneckerDelta[n,m] in Mathematica?

When I use the notation $ \delta_{n,m} $, it won't work.

You can still define delta[m_,n_]:=KroneckerDelta[m,n] if you like :) — Öskå, Apr 23 '14 at 13:52
In version 9, with autocompletion enabled, only 3 letters are needed. — Silvia, Apr 23 '14 at 14:13
You can enter the $\delta_{n,m}$ in a TraditionalForm equation cell, and then copy the equation into an input cell. That cell can then be evaluated if you allow Mathematica to interpret TraditionalForm input in the resulting dialog box. If you want more streamlined input, this is essentially the same as: Can I enter the traditional form for Binomial as input in an expression? — Jens, Apr 23 '14 at 14:28
Would it be worthwhile to reformulate this question to something of the type, "What methods are available to simplify entering long function names in Mathematica"? Having a single location for answers such as those posted in the comments might be beneficial to this community. — bobthechemist, Apr 23 '14 at 16:41

score 9 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 23 '14 at 18:59

9

Just

Subscript[\[Delta], m_, n_] := KroneckerDelta[n, m]

or am I missing something?

answered Apr 23 '14 at 18:59

murray

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You might want to use ^:= so that the rule gets attached to \[Delta] instead of Subscript – celtschk Apr 25 '14 at 16:38

Stephen Luttrell · Answer 2 · 2014-04-24T11:25:23.187

You can use the Notation package.

<< Notation`

Use the Notation palette that automatically pops up to define the required notation.

Notation[Subscript[\[Delta], m_, n_] \[DoubleLongLeftRightArrow] KroneckerDelta[m_, n_]]

NOTE: This is only a "summary" of the required definition. You have to enter the full definition using the (first button on the) Notation palette, and then fill in the placeholders. You can enter the lefthand placeholder as $\delta_{m\_,n\_}$.

Now check that your input generates the intended FullForm expression. You can enter Subscript[\[Delta], m, n] as $\delta_{m,n}$.

Subscript[\[Delta], m, n] // FullForm

(* KroneckerDelta[m, n] *)

Kronecker delta notation

2 Answers2