Thread by @zckzck

One of the most famous text editors is #emacs. It's especially famous for being used for programming.

But that's not all it can do. Here are some tasks I use it for that are not about code.

1. #Screenwriting.

I took a #comedy writing class where all sketches had to be formatted as a screenplay. There's a text-based file format called fountain; those files are converted to pdf.

Luckily, Emacs has fountain mode (github.com/rnkn/fountain-…) for authoring fountain files.

Fountain mode is a seamless experience: while editing the files in Emacs, the pdfs are instantly generated, professionally styled, and ready to go.

2. Taking #notes.

I use org mode (orgmode.org) for taking notes and outlining. It enables working with hierarchical text, a great organizational method.

Its minimal syntax and helpful shortcuts lets me focus on what I want to say, not about how to say it.

3. Interacting with #git.

I almost never interact with a git repository in the terminal. I use #magit (magit.vc), a git client inside of Emacs.

It is unparalleled at informing you of the repository's current state, and letting you quickly, powerfully act on it.

4. #Book tracking.

I use Emacs to keep track of books I've #read. I use an org capture template to log books when I begin reading them, and when I finish.

I like being able to go back and see what books I read when. This is an easy way to log that information.

These are just four non-programming things that I use Emacs for. There are many others. Go find some new ones!