Mesa Mode - an Emacs extension
It is designed for astrophysicists and researchers that makes editing MESA input files faster, easier, and error-free.
Why Use Mesa Mode?
If you’re editing MESA input files regularly, Mesa Mode saves time and helps avoid subtle mistakes. Instead of manually checking .defaults files or reformatting lines, you get:
- Faster editing
- Fewer typos and crashes
- Cleaner, more readable files
- Smarter documentation lookup
Key Features
Syntax Highlighting
Highlights comments, namelists, keys, booleans, and values in different colors. Helps catch errors quickly and improves file readability.
Quick Access to Documentation
Jump to any variable's default and description with a single key. No need to manually search .defaults files.
Constrained Editing
Edit values, toggle booleans, or reset options without syntax errors. Smart commands prevent common formatting mistakes.
Auto-Formatting
Automatically cleans up whitespace and aligns formatting. Keeps your inlists tidy and professional-looking.
PGSTAR Plot Templates
Insert ready-to-use plot templates directly into your inlist. Pick from a list of plots without memorizing syntax.
One-Key Activation
Replace include statements with full Fortran subroutines instantly. Sets up your run_star_extras.f for quick customization.
How to Use Mesa Mode
Mesa Mode is compatible with Emacs version 25.1 or newer. Once installed and configured, it automatically activates when editing MESA files such as inlists, run_star_extras.f, or .defaults.
Setting the MESA Directory
Mesa Mode needs to know where your MESA installation is located. You can do this in one of three ways:
- Automatically: Mesa Mode reads the MESA_DIR environment variable set in your system or Emacs session.
- Manually: You can set a specific path in your Emacs configuration using the mesa-version-mesa-dir variable.
Key Commands at Your Fingertips
Once configured, Mesa Mode provides powerful shortcuts to streamline your editing:
- Jump to documentation for any parameter
- Reset options to their default values
- Insert PGSTAR plot templates instantly
- Toggle formatting or boolean values
- Comment or uncomment lines with one key
Setting the MESA Directory
Mesa Mode needs to know where your MESA installation is located. You can do this in one of three ways: Automatically: Mesa Mode reads the MESA_DIR environment variable set in your system or Emacs session. Manually: You can set a specific path in your Emacs configuration using the mesa-version-mesa-dir variable.
How to download Mesa Mode
- Just click the Download button above to access the latest version directly from our website.
- Once downloaded, you’re ready to set it up in Emacs. For help, scroll down to the Installation & Setup section.
- Mesa Mode is lightweight, open-source, and built to improve your MESA workflow without getting in your way.
