Convert MediaWiki to ORG

Why Convert MediaWiki to ORG?

Converting MediaWiki markup to Org-mode format allows you to bring wiki content into the powerful Emacs Org-mode ecosystem. Org-mode is renowned for combining document authoring with task management, time tracking, and literate programming capabilities. By converting wiki content to Org format, you gain the ability to enrich it with TODO items, scheduling, code execution, and the full suite of Org-mode productivity features.

MediaWiki and Org-mode share the concept of plain text markup with headings and formatting, but they serve different purposes. MediaWiki is optimized for collaborative web content, while Org-mode excels at personal knowledge management and document production. The conversion maps MediaWiki headings (== ==) to Org headings (* asterisks), formatting markers (''' to *, '' to /), links, lists, and tables, creating a well-structured Org document from the wiki source.

Org-mode tables offer capabilities beyond what MediaWiki tables provide. In Org-mode, tables can include spreadsheet-style formulas, automatic calculations, and column alignment. Wiki tables are converted to Org pipe tables, which can then be enhanced with these computational features. This makes Org-mode particularly valuable for technical and scientific content that includes data tables.

The converted Org files can be further exported to multiple output formats including HTML, PDF (via LaTeX), DOCX, and presentation slides, making Org-mode a versatile intermediate format for content publishing. Users of tools like Logseq or Orgzly can also work with Org files on mobile devices, extending the usability of the converted wiki content beyond the desktop Emacs environment.

Key Benefits of Converting MediaWiki to ORG:

• Emacs Integration: Full Org-mode power for editing, navigation, and export
• Task Management: Add TODO items, deadlines, and scheduling to wiki content
• Code Execution: Embed and run code blocks with Org Babel
• Multi-Format Export: Export to HTML, PDF, LaTeX, DOCX, and slides
• Spreadsheet Tables: Add calculations and formulas to converted tables
• Personal Knowledge Base: Organize wiki content in your personal system
• Plain Text: Version-controllable, lightweight, and future-proof

Practical Examples

Example 1: Wiki Article to Org Document

Input MediaWiki file (language.wiki):

== Python Programming ==

'''Python''' is a high-level [[programming language]].

=== Features ===
* Dynamic typing
* Automatic memory management
* Extensive [[Standard Library|standard library]]

=== Code Example ===

def hello():
    print("Hello, World!")


[[Category:Programming]]

Output ORG file (language.org):

* Python Programming

*Python* is a high-level [[programming language]].

** Features
- Dynamic typing
- Automatic memory management
- Extensive [[Standard Library][standard library]]

** Code Example
#+begin_src python
def hello():
    print("Hello, World!")
#+end_src

Example 2: Wiki Project Page to Org Task List

Input MediaWiki file (project.wiki):

== Website Redesign ==

=== Phase 1: Planning ===
* Research competitor websites
* Create wireframes
* {{Done}} Define color palette

=== Phase 2: Development ===
* Build responsive layout
* Implement navigation
* Integrate [[CMS]]

{| class="wikitable"
! Task !! Hours !! Assignee
|-
| Design || 40 || Alice
|-
| Frontend || 60 || Bob
|-
| Backend || 80 || Carol
|}

Output ORG file (project.org):

* Website Redesign

** Phase 1: Planning
- [ ] Research competitor websites
- [ ] Create wireframes
- [X] Define color palette

** Phase 2: Development
- [ ] Build responsive layout
- [ ] Implement navigation
- [ ] Integrate [[CMS]]

| Task     | Hours | Assignee |
|----------+-------+----------|
| Design   |    40 | Alice    |
| Frontend |    60 | Bob      |
| Backend  |    80 | Carol    |

Example 3: Wiki Reference to Org Notes

Input MediaWiki file (notes.wiki):

== Meeting Notes ==

'''Date:''' March 9, 2026

=== Attendees ===
* [[User:Alice|Alice Smith]]
* [[User:Bob|Bob Jones]]

=== Decisions ===
# Approve Q2 budget of $50,000
# Launch new product by June
# Hire two additional developers

{{Action|Follow up with HR by March 15}}

=== Next Meeting ===
March 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Output ORG file (notes.org):

* Meeting Notes
:PROPERTIES:
:DATE: March 9, 2026
:END:

*Date:* March 9, 2026

** Attendees
- Alice Smith
- Bob Jones

** Decisions
1. Approve Q2 budget of $50,000
2. Launch new product by June
3. Hire two additional developers

** TODO Follow up with HR by March 15

** Next Meeting
March 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is MediaWiki markup?

A: MediaWiki markup is the formatting language used by Wikipedia and MediaWiki-powered wikis. Created in 2002, it uses syntax like == headings ==, '''bold''', ''italic'', [[links]], templates, and table markup for collaborative web content creation. It is the most widely used wiki markup language in the world.

Q: Do I need Emacs to use ORG files?

A: While Emacs provides the richest Org-mode experience with features like agenda views, code execution, and live previews, Org files are plain text and can be viewed and edited in any text editor. Tools like Logseq, Orgzly (Android), and VS Code extensions also provide Org-mode support outside of Emacs.

Q: How are MediaWiki headings mapped to Org headings?

A: MediaWiki headings use equals signs (== H2 ==, === H3 ===) while Org-mode uses asterisks (* H1, ** H2, *** H3). The conversion maps each wiki heading level to the corresponding Org heading level, preserving the document hierarchy. Org headings also serve as outline nodes that can be folded and expanded in Emacs.

Q: Can I add TODO items to the converted Org file?

A: Yes! One of the key benefits of Org-mode is task management. After conversion, you can add TODO keywords to any heading (e.g., ** TODO Review section), set deadlines (DEADLINE: date), add scheduled dates, and track progress. This makes Org ideal for turning wiki documentation into actionable project plans.

Q: How are wiki tables converted to Org tables?

A: Wiki tables are converted to Org pipe tables, which use | characters to separate columns. Org tables are aligned automatically in Emacs and support spreadsheet formulas (e.g., #+TBLFM: for calculations). Header rows are separated by |---+---| dividers. The table content and structure are preserved during conversion.

Q: What happens to MediaWiki code blocks?

A: MediaWiki <source> and <syntaxhighlight> blocks are converted to Org source blocks (#+begin_src language ... #+end_src). In Emacs, these blocks support syntax highlighting and can be executed using Org Babel, which supports dozens of programming languages. Inline <code> tags become Org verbatim markers (=code=).

Q: Can I export the Org file to other formats?

A: Yes, this is one of Org-mode's greatest strengths. From Emacs, you can export Org files to HTML, PDF (via LaTeX), DOCX (via ODT), Markdown, plain text, Beamer presentations, and more. This makes Org an excellent intermediate format for publishing wiki content in multiple output formats.

Q: Are MediaWiki links compatible with Org links?

A: Both formats use double brackets for links, which makes the conversion natural. MediaWiki [[target|text]] becomes Org [[target][text]]. External links are also converted: [https://url label] becomes [[https://url][label]]. Org links can point to files, headings, URLs, and custom protocols, providing even more flexibility than wiki links.