some_variable instead of always having to type
some\_variable, especially if you never use any formula and
hence do not need the subscript function. This can be achieved with
the \NotSpecial command.
The characters that you can make non-special are
~ ^ _ # $ &
For instance, to make characters $ and ^ non-special,
you need to use the command
\NotSpecial{\do\$\do\^}
Yes, this syntax is weird, but it makes the implementation much easier.
Note that whereever you put this declaration in the preamble, it will
only be turned on by \begin{document}. This means that you can
still use the regular LaTeX special characters in the
preamble.(3)
Even within the iftex environment the characters
you specified will remain non-special. Sometimes you will want to
return them their full power. This can be done in a tex
environment. It is equivalent to iftex, but also turns on all
ten special LaTeX characters.