M-EMACS is a comprehensive GNU Emacs configuration distribution designed to provide a feature-rich and highly customizable Emacs environment. It targets Emacs users, from beginners seeking a well-structured starting point to advanced users looking for an optimized and extensible setup. The distribution aims to enhance productivity through a curated selection of packages and configurations for programming, writing, and general use.

How It Works

M-EMACS prioritizes a clean and efficient startup process by leveraging early-init.el and carefully deferring package loading. It utilizes straight.el for declarative and reproducible package management, ensuring reliable updates and easy configuration. The configuration is heavily modularized within the elisp/ directory, with extensive use of use-package for streamlined package setup and customization. Key features include advanced completion with lsp-bridge, integrated Git support via magit, and robust project management with projectile.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Installation: Clone the repository to ~/.emacs.d and open Emacs. Follow the "Prerequisite" instructions within the README.
• Prerequisites: GNU Emacs 26.1 or higher (Emacs 29 recommended). Some features require external tools like ripgrep, git, fd, ctags, tree-sitter grammars, python3, pip3, clangd, gopls, R, TeX Live, plantuml, graphviz, NodeJS, jupyter, and potentially Gow/MSYS2 on Windows.
• Setup Time: Minimal for basic setup, but configuring all language servers and external tools can take significant time.
• Links: GitHub Repository

Highlighted Details

• Extensive Documentation: The README itself serves as a detailed, code-annotated guide to the configuration.
• Performance Optimizations: Includes techniques like deferring garbage collection, disabling unnecessary interfaces, and optimizing load paths.
• Rich Feature Set: Covers a vast array of functionalities including advanced text editing, project management, version control, web development, email client integration (mu4e), and multimedia applications (EAF).
• Customization: Designed to be easily modified, with specific sections for user information and private configurations.

Maintenance & Community

The project is maintained by MatthewZMD. Community feedback and contributions are welcomed via issues and pull requests. Links to community resources are not explicitly provided in the README.

Licensing & Compatibility

The configuration is distributed under the GPL license, emphasizing that "what is free stays free." This implies that derivative works must also be made available under the GPL.

Limitations & Caveats

The configuration is tested for GNU Emacs 26.1 and higher, with a recommendation for Emacs 29. Some features, like treesit-auto, are noted as potentially becoming obsolete in future Emacs versions. Certain functionalities, particularly those requiring external tools or specific OS setups (like Windows), may require additional installation and configuration steps.