Two Years of Emacs Solo: 35 Modules, Zero External Packages, and a Full Refactor
rahuljuliato.com
March 10, 2026
20 min read
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64/100
Summary
Emacs Solo has been maintained for two years with a focus on using 35 modules without any external packages. All components are either built into Emacs or custom-written in the lisp/ directory.
Key Takeaways
- Emacs Solo is a personal Emacs configuration that uses no external packages, relying solely on built-in Emacs features and custom Elisp code.
- The recent architectural refactor split the configuration into two layers: a core `init.el` for built-in features and a `lisp/` directory for self-contained extra modules.
- The separation of core configuration and custom modules simplifies maintenance, understanding, and sharing of the Emacs setup.
- The project includes 35 self-contained modules that replace popular external packages, allowing users to easily integrate them into their own configurations.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The ability to write custom functions tailored to specific needs empowers users, allowing for a highly personalized editing experience that enhances productivity.
- The control over the codebase when using self-written modules fosters a deeper understanding of the system, which can lead to more efficient debugging and customization.
Concerns
- The reliance on built-in packages that may not receive timely updates raises concerns about potential bugs, which could hinder the user experience.
- Using Lisp for text editing is questioned, as it seems to lack the versatility and popularity of other programming languages, potentially limiting the community and support.
