Research: Identify 18 unsupported MkDocs features for auto-formatting

[Copilot]

Comprehensive analysis of MkDocs, Material for MkDocs, and PyMdown Extensions features that lack mdformat-mkdocs support but would benefit from consistent auto-formatting.

Deliverables

Four research documents (1,076 lines):

• RESEARCH_INDEX.md - Navigation hub
• RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md - Top 5 priorities, phase-based roadmap
• RESEARCH_UNSUPPORTED_FEATURES.md - Detailed analysis with complexity assessments
• RESEARCH_EXAMPLES.md - Syntax demonstrations for testing

Key Findings

18 features analyzed across 3 priority tiers:

High Priority (7 features):

• PyMdown Keys (++ctrl+alt+del++) - keyboard shortcuts
• Critic Markup ({--deleted--}{++added++}) - change tracking
• Material Annotations - inline tooltips (v8.0+)
• Task Lists Enhanced - checkbox normalization
• SmartSymbols - typography preservation ((c) → ©)
• MagicLink - auto-linking (@username, #123)
• Material Grids - card layouts

Medium Priority (5 features): Highlight, Caret/Tilde, Details, Emoji, InlineHilite

Low Priority (6 features): Blocks, ProgressBar, Superfences, Tabbed, Mermaid, Data Tables

Implementation Phases

1. Phase 1 (low complexity): Task Lists, SmartSymbols, Highlight/Caret/Tilde
2. Phase 2 (high value): Keys, Critic Markup, InlineHilite
3. Phase 3 (complex): Annotations, MagicLink, Emoji
4. Phase 4 (optional): Grids, Mermaid formatting, ProgressBar

Each feature documented with: syntax examples, formatting opportunities, implementation complexity, testing strategies.

Example: PyMdown Keys

# Current (unsupported)
Press ++CTRL+alt+DEL++ or ++cmd+shift+P++

# With formatting support
Press ++ctrl+alt+delete++ or ++cmd+shift+p++

Ready for community feedback and prioritization.

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Original prompt

Research unsupported mdformat-mkdocs features, which would benefit from auto-formatting

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