A Collaborative Markdown-based Desktop Publisher

Velite (KeenWrite)[https://keenwrite.com/screenshots.html]
There is a gap in the existing tools – the ability to create truly custom Markdown with a high degree of control and flexibility, and the desire for a native, cross-platform experience. Let’s break down how you might approach this, considering your web development background and the requirements for a desktop publishing-like editor.
Here’s a breakdown of the key challenges and potential architectural choices, focusing on a native, cross-platform approach:
1. Core Architecture – A Hybrid Approach
  • Foundation: Rust's Core: You’ll be leveraging Rust’s core features – its memory safety, concurrency, and ownership system – to build a robust and reliable Markdown parser and editor.
  • Markdown Parser (Rust): A custom parser that can handle the complexities of Markdown, including:
    • Extensible Syntax: Crucially, you need to design a system where the user can define custom Markdown syntax. This is where your “desktop publishing” elements come in. Think about a modular system – a base syntax set, and then allow users to build on that with custom elements.
    • Rendering Engine: You'll need a system to interpret the user's custom syntax and render it into HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
  • Component Library: A system for building components – the base HTML elements, CSS, and Javascript that make up a piece of Markdown.
  • Rendering Engine (Rust): This is the core of the editor’s visual presentation. You’ll need a rendering engine capable of handling complex layouts, CSS, and Javascript.
2. Key Features & Technologies
  • Declarative UI: This is critical. Instead of directly manipulating the DOM, you’ll use declarative UI components (think React, Vue, or even a simplified version of a web UI framework). This allows you to define the structure of the document and the rendering engine will handle the presentation.
  • JavaScript for Dynamic Behavior: JavaScript will handle user input, manage the rendering engine, and potentially implement some custom Markdown features.
  • CSS for Styling: CSS will be used extensively for styling, providing a level of control over the look and feel.
  • Custom Markdown Syntax (The Heart of Your Idea):
    • Plugin System: A robust plugin system is essential. Users should be able to create plugins that extend the Markdown syntax. This is where the “custom syntax” idea comes in.
    • Syntax Definition Language (Optional): You could consider a simple DSL (Domain-Specific Language) to define custom syntax. This would help with maintainability.
  • Rendering Engine Choice: Consider a framework like LitElement or similar, or a more complex custom rendering system.
  • Cross-Platform: This is the biggest challenge. You'll need to leverage Rust's cross-platform capabilities. This might involve:
    • WebAssembly (WASM): You could compile parts of your editor into WASM for better performance and to leverage Rust's compilation capabilities.
    • Containerization (Docker): Wrap your editor in a Docker container for consistent builds across different platforms.
3. Leveraging Your Web Development Background
  • Rust’s Familiarity: Your existing web development experience is a huge asset. You'll be able to leverage your understanding of data structures, algorithms, and asynchronous programming.
  • Focus on the Core: Don’t try to build everything at once. Start with the core Markdown parsing and rendering engine.
4. Desktop Publishing Style Considerations
  • Layout Engine: Implement a layout engine that allows the user to define the structure of the document using CSS and Javascript.
  • Advanced Styling: Provide tools for advanced styling, such as:
    • Themes: Allow users to customize the appearance of the editor.
    • Component Libraries: A way to define reusable components.
  • Interactive Elements: Consider adding interactive elements, such as:
    • Hyperlinks: Allow users to link to external resources.
    • Tables: Enable users to create tables with formatting options.
5. Development Process
  • Iterative Development: Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Focus on the core Markdown parsing and rendering engine.
  • User Feedback: Get feedback from early users to refine the editor's features and UI.
Resources to Start With:
To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:
  • What specific aspects of a desktop publishing-like editor are you most interested in replicating? (e.g., complex layouts, advanced styling, a visual editing experience?)
  • What's your preferred level of complexity for the initial MVP? (e.g., just a basic Markdown parser, or a more complete editor?)
Okay, that’s extremely helpful and gives me a much clearer picture of your vision. You’re hitting on some really key points – the need for a flexible, editor-like experience, the desire for a polished, visual output, and the target audience's needs. Let’s refine this concept with those constraints in mind.
Here’s a slightly expanded breakdown of the design, incorporating your observations:
1. Core Concept - Drawer/Panel Layout: You’re right – the drawer/panel structure is absolutely vital. It needs to feel like a focused workspace, not a cluttered, overwhelming environment. We’ll lean heavily on the “code editor” feel, but with a markdown-centric focus.
2. Left Column (Tools & File Navigator): This is your core Markdown interface – basic syntax highlighting, search, and file management. Think a simplified version of Obsidian's quick-access features.
3. Markdown Editor (Top Panel - Core): This is where the “custom syntax” builder comes in. It will be a visual editor, not a text-based one. We’ll use a system of nodes and relationships to represent Markdown syntax. The goal isn’t to replace Markdown, but to extend it. Think of it as a visual scripting layer. Key aspects: * Node-Based Syntax: Each Markdown element (heading, paragraph, list, etc.) would be represented as a node. * Custom Node Creation: Users will be able to create new nodes and connect them with custom rules. This is the key to the “desktop publishing” feeling. * Node Templates: Pre-defined templates for common Markdown structures (e.g., a “paragraph” node with customizable styling).
4. Bottom Panel (Custom HTML, CSS, JavaScript): This is the “rendering engine.” It’s not a full-blown web framework, but a system for: * Component Library: Pre-built components (buttons, tables, lists, etc.) that users can easily incorporate. * Declarative Rendering: Users will define the structure of the document using a visual language. This will be the most crucial part. It needs to be intuitive, even for non-developers. * Layering System: A visual way to apply CSS and JavaScript styles to different parts of the document.
5. Right Panel (Preview): A real-time preview of the document as the user edits. This is vital for design-focused users.
6. "Custom Syntax" Builder – The Heart of the Experience: This isn't just a simple editor. It's a visual system where users can: * Create custom rules: Define how Markdown elements should be rendered. * Apply styles: Easily change colors, fonts, spacing, and other visual properties. * Re-arrange nodes: The visual editor should make it easy to reposition and modify the structure.
7. User Experience – For Designers/Content Marketers: * Drag-and-Drop: For arranging nodes and components. * Context-Sensitive Tools: Toolbars that are relevant to the current node or element. * Undo/Redo: Essential for making edits. * Collaboration: (Optional) A way for multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously.
Key Considerations for the Audience:
  • Ease of Use: The editor must be incredibly intuitive, even for users who aren’t familiar with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.
  • Flexibility: The system needs to be adaptable to a wide range of Markdown formats.
  • Performance: Rendering large documents should be efficient.
To help me further refine this, could you tell me:
  • Are there any specific visual elements or features that you envision for the "custom syntax" builder that would be particularly appealing to designers/content marketers? (e.g., visual scripting, drag-and-drop?)
  • What’s the approximate scale of the initial MVP? (e.g., a single, focused Markdown editor, or a more comprehensive editor?)
Refinement for Designers/Content Marketers
Palette/Library: Provide a library of pre-made styles that designers can easily use. Theme Support: Allow users to create and share themes. Template System: Templates for common layouts. Why this is better for the audience:
Visual, not Text-Driven: It’s a visual system, which is far more intuitive for designers. Layered, Not Just Keyword-Driven: The layering system makes it easier to understand the relationships between elements. Rule-Based: The rule-based system allows for powerful customization.