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What is the difference between `array` and `tabular` environments |
floats |
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/FAQ-arraytab |
The tabular environment is the general solution to typeset tables.
In math mode, you'll usually be told to use the array environment,
but tabular would work too. So, what is the difference?
The array environment is indeed for math mode, and cell contents
will be typeset in math mode (in textstyle by default). You don't
need to use $...$ inside it, so it will save you some typing.
Notice that inside an array, the p, m and b specifiers switch
cell contents to text mode.
While array requires being in math mode, the tabular environment can be used
both in text and math mode, and its contents will be typeset in text mode.
array and tabular environments share a lot of things, but also involve
some specific parameters. As an example, the space between two columns is set
separately, using \arraycolsep for array and \tabcolsep for tabular.
A very useful LaTeX package is named array.
Despite its name, it provides advanced functionalities for both array and
tabular environments (and their relatives).