Convert ADOC to ORG

Why Convert ADOC to ORG?

Converting AsciiDoc files to Org format unlocks the extraordinary power of Emacs Org-mode for your documentation workflow. While AsciiDoc excels at producing publication-ready output, Org-mode offers an unparalleled environment for working with documents as living, executable entities. Researchers, developers, and productivity enthusiasts worldwide rely on Org-mode for its seamless integration of notes, tasks, code execution, and documentation in a single, coherent system.

Org-mode's literate programming capabilities are particularly valuable for technical documentation. Code blocks in Org files can be executed directly within Emacs using Babel, allowing you to create documents where examples are not just shown but actually run, with results captured inline. This makes converted AsciiDoc documentation interactive, enabling readers to experiment with code examples, verify outputs, and learn through hands-on exploration.

The hierarchical structure of Org-mode maps naturally from AsciiDoc headings. Org's outline folding allows you to collapse and expand sections, making it easy to navigate large documents. Tags and properties can be added to organize content, and the powerful agenda system lets you track TODOs and deadlines across all your converted documents.

From Org format, you can export to HTML, PDF (via LaTeX), ODT, Markdown, reveal.js presentations, and many more formats. This makes Org an excellent intermediate format, preserving your content while opening up new possibilities for output and interaction that AsciiDoc alone cannot provide.

Key Benefits of Converting ADOC to ORG:

• Literate Programming: Execute code blocks directly with Org Babel, supporting dozens of languages
• Task Management: Convert sections into TODOs with deadlines, priorities, and progress tracking
• Agenda Integration: Track tasks and deadlines across all documents with Org agenda views
• Outline Navigation: Fold and navigate hierarchical content efficiently
• Export Flexibility: Output to HTML, PDF, LaTeX, Markdown, ODT, and more
• Version Control: Both formats are plain text, perfect for Git workflows
• Extensible Ecosystem: Leverage thousands of Emacs packages for enhanced productivity

Practical Examples

Example 1: Technical Documentation with Code

Input AsciiDoc file (guide.adoc):

= Python Data Analysis Guide
:author: Data Science Team
:revdate: 2024-01-15

== Introduction

This guide covers *Python* techniques for
data analysis using _pandas_ and _numpy_.

== Loading Data

[source,python]
----
import pandas as pd
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')
print(df.head())
----

NOTE: Always verify your data after loading.

Output ORG file (guide.org):

#+TITLE: Python Data Analysis Guide
#+AUTHOR: Data Science Team
#+DATE: 2024-01-15

* Introduction

This guide covers *Python* techniques for
data analysis using /pandas/ and /numpy/.

* Loading Data

#+BEGIN_SRC python
import pandas as pd
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')
print(df.head())
#+END_SRC

*Note:* Always verify your data after loading.

Example 2: Project Roadmap with Tasks

Input AsciiDoc file (roadmap.adoc):

= Project Roadmap Q1 2024
:toc:

== Phase 1: Backend

.Priority Tasks
|===
|Task |Status |Deadline

|API endpoints |In Progress |Jan 22
|Auth system |Pending |Jan 30
|===

[WARNING]
====
Security review required.
====

== Phase 2: Testing

. Unit test coverage > 80%
. Integration tests
. Performance benchmarks

Output ORG file (roadmap.org):

#+TITLE: Project Roadmap Q1 2024
#+OPTIONS: toc:t

* Phase 1: Backend

| Task          | Status      | Deadline |
|---------------+-------------+----------|
| API endpoints | In Progress | Jan 22   |
| Auth system   | Pending     | Jan 30   |

#+BEGIN_WARNING
Security review required.
#+END_WARNING

* Phase 2: Testing

1. Unit test coverage > 80%
2. Integration tests
3. Performance benchmarks

Example 3: Research Notes with References

Input AsciiDoc file (notes.adoc):

= Machine Learning Notes
:author: Research Team

== Neural Networks

=== Activation Functions

ReLU (Rectified Linear Unit)::
  Most commonly used in hidden layers.
+
[source,python]
----
def relu(x):
    return max(0, x)
----

Sigmoid::
  Used for binary classification.

TIP: Visualize the computation graph.

Output ORG file (notes.org):

#+TITLE: Machine Learning Notes
#+AUTHOR: Research Team

* Neural Networks

** Activation Functions

- ReLU (Rectified Linear Unit) ::
  Most commonly used in hidden layers.

  #+BEGIN_SRC python
  def relu(x):
      return max(0, x)
  #+END_SRC

- Sigmoid ::
  Used for binary classification.

*Tip:* Visualize the computation graph.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need Emacs to work with converted ORG files?

A: While Emacs provides the most complete Org-mode experience, you can view and edit ORG files with other tools. VS Code has excellent Org extensions, Vim has org-mode plugins, and apps like Logseq and Orgzly provide alternative interfaces. However, for full functionality including code execution, Emacs is recommended.

Q: Will AsciiDoc code blocks be executable in Org-mode?

A: Yes, code blocks are converted to Org Babel source blocks. Once in Emacs, you can execute these blocks with C-c C-c if you have the appropriate language support configured. Python, shell, JavaScript, and many other languages are supported out of the box.

Q: How are AsciiDoc tables converted to Org format?

A: AsciiDoc tables are converted to Org-mode table syntax using pipe characters for column separation. Org tables are highly functional, supporting formulas, column alignment, and spreadsheet-like calculations directly in the document.

Q: Can I convert the ORG file to other formats afterward?

A: Absolutely. Org-mode's export system is extremely powerful. From a single ORG file, you can export to HTML, PDF (via LaTeX), ODT, Markdown, plain text, reveal.js presentations, and many more formats. This makes ORG an excellent intermediate format.

Q: Are AsciiDoc admonitions (NOTE, WARNING, TIP) preserved?

A: Yes, admonitions are converted to Org-mode special blocks or emphasized text. While Org doesn't have native admonition blocks like AsciiDoc, the converted format preserves the semantic meaning and can be styled appropriately during export.

Q: How does the heading structure map between formats?

A: AsciiDoc headings (=, ==, ===) map directly to Org headings (*, **, ***). The hierarchical structure is fully preserved, and Org's outline folding works perfectly with the converted document structure, allowing you to expand and collapse sections.

Q: Can I use converted files for literate programming?

A: Yes, this is one of the most powerful uses of Org format. Code blocks from your AsciiDoc source become tanglable Org source blocks. You can use Org Babel's tangling feature to extract executable code files from your documentation.

Q: Will cross-references and links work in the output?

A: Yes, internal cross-references are converted to Org internal links, and external URLs become standard Org hyperlinks. Org's linking system is very flexible, supporting links to files, headings, line numbers, and custom link types.