FMark is a markdown parser that features many extensions to GFM (Github Flavoured Markdown), such as macros, spread sheet functionality, and more extensions described below. It was written in a test driven manner, using purely functional F#.
** Introduction
The markdown parser is written and implemented in F#. Even though there is an available module, called FSharp.Formatting that is also written in F# that supports markdown parsing and converting the output to HTML, we decided to write our own markdown parser. In addition to the simple parser, a lot of extensions were added to support the features mentioned below:
- GFM parsing
- Custom macro support
- Spread sheet functionality
- Citations and Footnote support
- Full HTML generation
A Visual Studio Code extension was also developed to integrate the parser into and editor and make it more useable.
** Motivation
The main motivation for this project was to create a more powerful version of markdown that could be used to easily take notes in lectures.
*** Re-implementation of the Parser
Instead of using the FSharp.Formatting module, it was decided that the parser should be re-implemented. We found that the FSharp.Formatting module was not generic enough and did not allow as easy implementation of the extensions we wanted to add to markdown.
** Custom Features
*** Macros
Macros were a feature that we thought should definitely be added to the parser, as it allows for a large extensibility, as the markdown parser also supports full HTML pass-through. This means that macros can be created that contain pure HTML which will be output in exactly the same way, and enables the addition of things like text boxes or colourful boxes.
*** Spread Sheet
Sometimes it is useful to directly do calculations in tables, as they are often used to display information. This can then be used to make tables more generic and not have to copy all the values over once something changes.