[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Lizardo Reyna via ntg-context]

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Thanks for sharing, Seya!

I gave it a try and after just a few minutes it was working smoothly for 
the basic commands. I like the option to bring in Python for additional 
configuration.

One idea that could make it even more useful: including some default 
parameters or ready-to-use code (as yasnippet do) for common ConTeXt 
commands. That would help speed up writing and give new users a head 
start with the most typical patterns.

Cheers,

--

Lizardo Reyna, PhD
Universidad Técnica de Manabí
[Address] Lodana, Manabí, Ecuador | [Mobile]  +593  982924637
PGP Key: 0xa35a15b90ee64e8d

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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Jim]

Hi Seyal (et al),

On Mon, Sep 22, 2025 at 06:09 (-0000), seyal.zavira@gmail.com wrote:

<snip>

> Jim asked a very important question about how this package compares to
> AUCTeX's context mode. It's a great point, and I'll do my best to
> clarify my goals, though I must be transparent about my own experience.

<snip>

Thanks for the summary, it was very helpful.  I have a few hundred things
on my ToDo list (**argh**), but I am looking forward to giving it a try.

I am not fanatical about AUCTeX, but I have found it useful, even though I
occasionally manage to cause it to glitch.  The last time I submitted a bug
report the person who answered said something to the effect (IIRC) that I
was the first ConTeXt user to put a bug report in, and that none of the
devs are ConTeXt users.  So AUCTeX may not be as polished (for ConTeXt) as
it could be.  Obviously your package is coming from a different direction
and has a more specific focus, so I hope to look at it soon.

Cheers.

                                Jim
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[juh+ntg-context--- via ntg-context]

Am 22.09.25 um 17:51 schrieb seyal.zavira@gmail.com:
> That’s a great question regarding MELPA. My plan is to let the package mature further and incorporate more user feedback before submitting it to a public repository. Once it reaches a more stable state, I will certainly consider releasing it on MELPA.

Good news. Many configurations of emacs are based on use-package using 
either package.el, alpaca or straight as backend to retrieve the code.

juh
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[seyal.zavira]

Thank you both for the valuable follow-up questions and information.

To Juh:

That’s a great question regarding MELPA. My plan is to let the package mature further and incorporate more user feedback before submitting it to a public repository. Once it reaches a more stable state, I will certainly consider releasing it on MELPA.

To Hans:

Thank you for the fascinating details about ConTeXt’s internal highlighting engine and the data files available in the distribution. That’s incredibly useful information. Knowing there’s a reference implementation and structured data to draw from is a fantastic resource that I will definitely keep in mind for future improvements.

Best regards,

Seyal
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Hans Hagen via ntg-context]

On 9/22/2025 8:09 AM, seyal.zavira@gmail.com wrote:

> 2. Superior Multi-Language Highlighting (via Polymode):
>     This is the core technical advantage. context-lmtx-mode uses
>     polymode to correctly handle and highlight different languages
>     embedded within a .ctx file. This means if you have Lua code inside
>     \startluacode, Metapost code inside \startMPcode, or XML blocks,
>     each snippet gets its own proper syntax highlighting and indentation.
>     This is a common pain point in other editors, and I wanted to solve
>     it properly.

Just for the record. The code base actually evolved in sync with the way 
we highlight. This can be emulated with

\usemodule[scite]

\starttyping[option=TEX]
....
\stoptyping

This also supports nesting of mp and lua and some more (not all nesting 
makes sense). It's kind of the reference for context syntax 
highlighting. (We do have specific highlighters for xml, pdf, sql .. the 
things i needed so to say).

The information  for this is part of the context distribution, like 
commands, keywords, classifications, etc. It comes in editor specific 
support and in xml files that describe the commands etc. If needed 
additional files can be generated (we do it for some editors with 
 >mtxrun --script interface) but I have no clue what data emacs needs.

Hans

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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[juh+ntg-context--- via ntg-context]

Dear Seyal,

do you plan to release it on MELPA?

The way it has to be installed now is quite manually.

Thanks for the package.
juh
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[seyal.zavira]

Hi everyone,

My apologies for the very delayed reply. My focus was recently captured by
another project I was excited to finish, the CONTEXT-STARTERKIT, which I
shared in a separate thread. Thank you all for your patience and for the
incredibly positive and encouraging feedback on the context-lmtx-mode
package. It's fantastic to see this level of interest.

A special thank you to Hraban for adding the project to the ConTeXt
Garden wiki! I truly appreciate that; it’s a huge honor and will help
more users discover it.

Joaquín and Riviera, I was thrilled to read your enthusiastic comments.
I hope the package proves useful, and I look forward to any feedback or
ideas you might have whenever you get a chance.

Jim asked a very important question about how this package compares to
AUCTeX's context mode. It's a great point, and I'll do my best to
clarify my goals, though I must be transparent about my own experience.

To be honest, as I am relatively new to the world of TeX and ConTeXt, I
haven't used AUCTeX extensively myself. Therefore, I can't offer a
detailed user-experience comparison based on deep, long-term usage.
Instead, I can explain the philosophy and technical goals that drove me
to create context-lmtx-mode as an alternative:

My primary motivation was to build a modern editing experience from the
ground up, designed *exclusively* for ConTeXt LMTX, with these
principles in mind:

1. Simplicity and "Just Works" Philosophy:
   I aimed for a lightweight package that requires minimal configuration.
   The goal is for it to work seamlessly out of the box, especially for
   things like compiler detection, which can sometimes be a hurdle.

2. Superior Multi-Language Highlighting (via Polymode):
   This is the core technical advantage. context-lmtx-mode uses
   polymode to correctly handle and highlight different languages
   embedded within a .ctx file. This means if you have Lua code inside
   \startluacode, Metapost code inside \startMPcode, or XML blocks,
   each snippet gets its own proper syntax highlighting and indentation.
   This is a common pain point in other editors, and I wanted to solve
   it properly.

3. Strict Focus on LMTX:
   The package is intentionally built only for modern ConTeXt LMTX.
   This focus allows for more accurate syntax and tooling, without the
   legacy burden of supporting older MkII/MkIV versions.

4. Non-Intrusive and Safe Design:
   The package is self-contained. Any optional utilities are isolated
   and won't alter your global Emacs settings, making it safe to try
   out without disrupting your existing configuration.

So, rather than seeing it as a direct competitor to a mature suite like
AUCTeX, I see context-lmtx-mode as a focused tool that excels at the
*core editing task*, particularly for users who write modern,
multi-language ConTeXt documents and value simplicity.

I hope this gives a clearer picture of the vision. I welcome everyone to
give it a try and share their thoughts, open issues on GitHub, or
suggest features. Your feedback is what will shape its future.

Best regards,

Seyal
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Jim]

On Sun, Sep  7, 2025 at 07:52 (+0200), Joaquín Ataz López wrote:

> Fantastic! I’ve been waiting for something like this for years, since AUCTeX
> is more of a nuisance than a help when working with ConTeXt files, and
> getting it to recognize where the executable is for compiling is truly a
> nightmare.

I think you may have done something strange; for me AUCTeX finds the
context executable without any effort.

I can imagine that Seyal's package might do some great things that AUCTeX
doesn't do, but I find what it does provide to be useful.  Maybe you have
some config issues.

Cheers.
                                Jim


> El 7/9/25 a las 6:24, seyal.zavira@gmail.com escribió:
>> Hi everyone,

>> I’ve been working on an Emacs package to make editing ConTeXt LMTX documents more enjoyable and productive.

>> The package is called context-lmtx-mode, and it automatically activates when editing files with the .ctx extension.

>> Main features:

>> Automatic activation for .ctx files
>> Built-in syntax highlighting and multi-language support via polymode
>> Auto-completion support through company-mode
>> Optional tools for template management and other utilities (isolated so they won’t interfere with the global Emacs configuration)

>> I’ve also included a clear README with installation and usage instructions.

>> The project is available here:

>> https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://github.com/seyalco/Emacs-for-ConTeXt__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!UU8kzR65utaAWb60J3JmzLbvEvmZelH4aCpUU2R2gqHngUQJ1Wx6hMliKTamg7sZsmhBQ_BRG_-ARZ9L$

>> I’d be happy if other ConTeXt + Emacs users try it out, share feedback, and suggest improvements.

>> Hopefully, it can make the editing process smoother for anyone writing ConTeXt documents in Emacs.

>> Best regards,

>> Seyal
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Riviera Taylor via ntg-context]

Hi Seyal,

I'm excited to try this also!

Will keep you posted about ideas and feedback :)

Kind regards,

Riviera


On 07/09/2025 05:24, seyal.zavira@gmail.com wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> I’ve been working on an Emacs package to make editing ConTeXt LMTX documents more enjoyable and productive.
>
> The package is called context-lmtx-mode, and it automatically activates when editing files with the .ctx extension.
>
> Main features:
>
>      Automatic activation for .ctx files
>      Built-in syntax highlighting and multi-language support via polymode
>      Auto-completion support through company-mode
>      Optional tools for template management and other utilities (isolated so they won’t interfere with the global Emacs configuration)
>
> I’ve also included a clear README with installation and usage instructions.
>
> The project is available here:
>
> https://github.com/seyalco/Emacs-for-ConTeXt
>
> I’d be happy if other ConTeXt + Emacs users try it out, share feedback, and suggest improvements.
>
> Hopefully, it can make the editing process smoother for anyone writing ConTeXt documents in Emacs.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Seyal
> ___________________________________________________________________________________
> If your question is of interest to others as well, please add an entry to the Wiki!
>
> maillist : ntg-context@ntg.nl / https://mailman.ntg.nl/mailman3/lists/ntg-context.ntg.nl
> webpage  : https://www.pragma-ade.nl / https://context.aanhet.net (mirror)
> archive  : https://github.com/contextgarden/context
> wiki     : https://wiki.contextgarden.net
> ___________________________________________________________________________________

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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Jim]

On Sun, Sep  7, 2025 at 04:24 (-0000), seyal.zavira@gmail.com wrote:

> Hi everyone,

> I’ve been working on an Emacs package to make editing ConTeXt LMTX documents more enjoyable and productive.

> The package is called context-lmtx-mode, and it automatically activates when editing files with the .ctx extension.

> Main features:

> Automatic activation for .ctx files
> Built-in syntax highlighting and multi-language support via polymode
> Auto-completion support through company-mode
> Optional tools for template management and other utilities (isolated so they won’t interfere with the global Emacs configuration)

> I’ve also included a clear README with installation and usage instructions.

> The project is available here:

> https://github.com/seyalco/Emacs-for-ConTeXt

> I’d be happy if other ConTeXt + Emacs users try it out, share feedback, and suggest improvements.

> Hopefully, it can make the editing process smoother for anyone writing ConTeXt documents in Emacs.

Seyal,

as an emacs user, I am interested.  Before I start playing around with it,
can you send a message comparing it to auctex's context mode (which is what
I currently use)?

Thanks.
                                Jim
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Henning Hraban Ramm]

Am 07.09.25 um 06:24 schrieb seyal.zavira@gmail.com:
> https://github.com/seyalco/Emacs-for-ConTeXt

Thank you, I added it to 
https://wiki.contextgarden.net/Input_and_compilation/Text_editors

Since I’m not using Emacs I can’t give any feedback.

Hraban
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[NTG-context] Re: context-lmtx-mode – Emacs package for editing .ctx files in ConTeXt LMTX

[Joaquín Ataz López]

Fantastic! I’ve been waiting for something like this for years, since 
AUCTeX is more of a nuisance than a help when working with ConTeXt 
files, and getting it to recognize where the executable is for compiling 
is truly a nightmare.

I’ll give it a try right away.

Many thanks.



El 7/9/25 a las 6:24, seyal.zavira@gmail.com escribió:
> Hi everyone,
>
> I’ve been working on an Emacs package to make editing ConTeXt LMTX documents more enjoyable and productive.
>
> The package is called context-lmtx-mode, and it automatically activates when editing files with the .ctx extension.
>
> Main features:
>
>      Automatic activation for .ctx files
>      Built-in syntax highlighting and multi-language support via polymode
>      Auto-completion support through company-mode
>      Optional tools for template management and other utilities (isolated so they won’t interfere with the global Emacs configuration)
>
> I’ve also included a clear README with installation and usage instructions.
>
> The project is available here:
>
> https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://github.com/seyalco/Emacs-for-ConTeXt__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!UU8kzR65utaAWb60J3JmzLbvEvmZelH4aCpUU2R2gqHngUQJ1Wx6hMliKTamg7sZsmhBQ_BRG_-ARZ9L$
>
> I’d be happy if other ConTeXt + Emacs users try it out, share feedback, and suggest improvements.
>
> Hopefully, it can make the editing process smoother for anyone writing ConTeXt documents in Emacs.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Seyal
> ___________________________________________________________________________________
> If your question is of interest to others as well, please add an entry to the Wiki!
>
> maillist : ntg-context@ntg.nl / https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://mailman.ntg.nl/mailman3/lists/ntg-context.ntg.nl__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!UU8kzR65utaAWb60J3JmzLbvEvmZelH4aCpUU2R2gqHngUQJ1Wx6hMliKTamg7sZsmhBQ_BRG1zJszUr$
> webpage  : https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.pragma-ade.nl__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!UU8kzR65utaAWb60J3JmzLbvEvmZelH4aCpUU2R2gqHngUQJ1Wx6hMliKTamg7sZsmhBQ_BRG102IwQs$  / https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://context.aanhet.net__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!UU8kzR65utaAWb60J3JmzLbvEvmZelH4aCpUU2R2gqHngUQJ1Wx6hMliKTamg7sZsmhBQ_BRG_hQH8Je$  (mirror)
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> ___________________________________________________________________________________

-- 
Joaquín Ataz López
Departamento de Derecho civil
Universidad de Murcia - España

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