Convert RST to ORG

Why Convert RST to Org-mode?

Converting reStructuredText (RST) documents to Org-mode format brings your documentation into Emacs' powerful ecosystem. Org-mode is more than a markup language - it's a complete system for outlining, task management, literate programming, and document authoring all in one.

Org-mode's killer feature is its combination of documentation and executable code through Babel. You can embed code blocks in multiple programming languages, execute them, and include results directly in your document. This makes it perfect for reproducible research and technical documentation.

The conversion is particularly valuable for developers who work in Emacs and want to integrate their documentation into their daily workflow. Org-mode's outlining capabilities make it easy to navigate large documents, and features like TODO items and scheduling help track documentation tasks.

While RST is specialized for Python documentation with Sphinx, Org-mode is a versatile personal information management system. The conversion allows you to import existing RST documentation into your Org-based knowledge management system or personal wiki.

Key Benefits of Converting RST to Org-mode:

• Literate Programming: Execute code blocks and include results
• Powerful Outlining: Collapse, expand, and navigate document structure
• Task Management: Add TODO items, deadlines, and scheduling
• Emacs Integration: Seamless workflow for Emacs users
• Multi-format Export: Export to HTML, PDF, LaTeX, and more
• Babel Support: Execute Python, R, Shell, and many other languages
• Active Community: Large ecosystem of packages and extensions

Practical Examples

Example 1: Basic Document Structure

Input RST file (document.rst):

Getting Started Guide
=====================

Introduction
------------

Welcome to the **project documentation**.
This guide will help you get started.

Installation
------------

Install using pip::

    pip install myproject

.. note::
   Requires Python 3.8 or higher.

Output Org file (document.org):

#+TITLE: Getting Started Guide

* Introduction

Welcome to the *project documentation*.
This guide will help you get started.

* Installation

Install using pip:

#+BEGIN_SRC bash
pip install myproject
#+END_SRC

#+BEGIN_NOTE
Requires Python 3.8 or higher.
#+END_NOTE

Example 2: Code Blocks and Execution

Input RST file (code_example.rst):

API Reference
=============

.. code-block:: python
   :linenos:

   def calculate_total(items):
       """Calculate the total price."""
       return sum(item.price for item in items)

.. warning::
   This function does not handle empty lists.

Output Org file (code_example.org):

#+TITLE: API Reference

* API Reference

#+BEGIN_SRC python :results output
def calculate_total(items):
    """Calculate the total price."""
    return sum(item.price for item in items)
#+END_SRC

#+BEGIN_WARNING
This function does not handle empty lists.
#+END_WARNING

Example 3: Tables and Links

Input RST file (reference.rst):

Configuration Options
=====================

+---------------+----------+------------------+
| Option        | Default  | Description      |
+===============+==========+==================+
| debug         | false    | Enable debugging |
+---------------+----------+------------------+
| timeout       | 30       | Request timeout  |
+---------------+----------+------------------+

See `Python docs <https://docs.python.org>`_ for more.

Output Org file (reference.org):

#+TITLE: Configuration Options

* Configuration Options

| Option  | Default | Description      |
|---------+---------+------------------|
| debug   | false   | Enable debugging |
| timeout | 30      | Request timeout  |

See [[https://docs.python.org][Python docs]] for more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need Emacs to use Org files?

A: While Emacs provides the best Org-mode experience, you can view and edit .org files in any text editor. VS Code has an Org Mode extension, Vim has vim-orgmode, and there are Org apps for mobile devices. However, advanced features like code execution require Emacs.

Q: What is Babel and how does it work?

A: Babel is Org-mode's system for literate programming. It lets you execute code blocks in many languages (Python, R, Shell, etc.) directly from your Org document. Results can be inserted into the document, making it perfect for reproducible research and documentation.

Q: Can I export Org files to other formats?

A: Yes! Org-mode has powerful export capabilities (ox-* exporters). You can export to HTML, PDF (via LaTeX), ODT, Markdown, and many other formats. This makes Org files versatile source documents for multiple output formats.

Q: How are RST directives converted?

A: RST directives are converted to Org-mode special blocks. Code blocks become #+BEGIN_SRC...#+END_SRC, notes become #+BEGIN_NOTE...#+END_NOTE, and warnings become #+BEGIN_WARNING...#+END_WARNING. These render appropriately when exporting.

Q: Can I add TODO items to converted documents?

A: Absolutely! After conversion, you can add TODO keywords to any heading. Simply prepend "TODO" to a headline: "* TODO Review this section". Org-mode's agenda features will then track these items with deadlines and scheduling.

Q: How do tables work in Org-mode?

A: Org tables use pipe characters (|) as delimiters. In Emacs, tables auto-align when you press TAB, making editing very smooth. You can also use spreadsheet-like formulas in Org tables for calculations.

Q: Can I convert Org back to RST?

A: Yes, Pandoc supports bidirectional conversion. Use: `pandoc -f org -t rst input.org -o output.rst`. This is useful if you need to publish content back to Sphinx documentation after working in Org-mode.

Q: Is Org-mode good for technical documentation?

A: Org-mode excels at technical documentation, especially with literate programming capabilities. You can include executable code examples, generate diagrams with tools like PlantUML, and export to professional PDF through LaTeX. Many developers use it for personal technical wikis.