An Emacs RSS reader with Feedbin sync, pluggable backends, Evil keybindings, and Org refile integration.
Built with Claude.
- Emacs 28.1+ (built-in json, eieio, libxml)
evil(for Evil keybindings, optional)org(for Org refile, optional)
In packages.el:
(package! feedsmith :recipe (:local-repo "~/Projects/feedsmith"))In config.el:
(use-package! feedsmith
:commands (feedsmith)
:config
(setq feedsmith-backend (feedsmith-feedbin-create))
(require 'feedsmith-evil))Then reload: SPC h r r inside Emacs, followed by doom sync in a terminal. Then quit and restart Emacs for the command to show up.
(use-package feedsmith
:straight (:local-repo "~/Projects/feedsmith")
:commands (feedsmith)
:config
(setq feedsmith-backend (feedsmith-feedbin-create))
(require 'feedsmith-evil))Feedsmith reads Feedbin credentials from auth-source (typically ~/.authinfo.gpg).
If you don't already have a GPG key, you'll need one to encrypt your credentials file. Check if you have an existing key:
gpg --list-keysIf no keys are listed, generate one:
gpg --full-generate-keyAccept the defaults (RSA and RSA, 3072 bits), enter your name and email, and set a passphrase. For a more detailed walkthrough, see the GitHub GPG guide.
The safest way to create the encrypted credentials file is from within Emacs, which handles encryption automatically:
C-x C-f ~/.authinfo.gpg RET
Type your credentials:
machine api.feedbin.com login YOUR_EMAIL password YOUR_PASSWORD
Save with C-x C-s. Emacs will prompt you to select your GPG key for encryption.
You can verify the file is properly encrypted:
file ~/.authinfo.gpgThis should report something like PGP RSA encrypted session key rather than plain ASCII text.
M-x feedsmith
This opens the feed list, loads cached entries, syncs with Feedbin, and starts auto-sync.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
RET/o |
Open article |
O |
Open in browser |
r |
Toggle read/unread |
s |
Toggle starred |
R |
Refile to Org |
gr |
Sync with backend |
j/k |
Navigate up/down |
gg/G |
Go to top/bottom |
/ |
Search/filter entries |
u |
Toggle unread-only filter |
q |
Quit |
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
O |
Open in browser |
R |
Refile to Org |
r |
Toggle read/unread |
s |
Toggle starred |
n/p |
Next/previous article |
q |
Back to feed list |
SPC |
Scroll down |
S-SPC |
Scroll up |
f + <number> |
Activates the numbered link on enter in your default browser |
;; Cache directory (default: ~/.emacs.d/feedsmith/)
(setq feedsmith-cache-directory "~/.emacs.d/feedsmith/")
;; Max cached entries (default: 500)
(setq feedsmith-max-entries 500)
;; Auto-sync interval in seconds (default: 300, nil to disable)
(setq feedsmith-auto-sync-interval 300)
;; Org refile summary paragraphs (default: 3)
(setq feedsmith-org-refile-summary-paragraphs 3)Feedsmith uses a pluggable backend protocol via EIEIO. To add a new backend:
- Create a new file (e.g.
feedsmith-mybackend.el) - Define an EIEIO class inheriting from
feedsmith-backend - Implement all 8 generic methods:
(require 'feedsmith-backend)
(defclass feedsmith-mybackend (feedsmith-backend)
((api-url :initarg :api-url :type string))
:documentation "My custom backend.")
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-authenticate ((backend feedsmith-mybackend))
;; Verify credentials, return non-nil on success
)
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-fetch-subscriptions ((backend feedsmith-mybackend))
;; Return list of feedsmith-subscription structs
)
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-fetch-entries ((backend feedsmith-mybackend) &optional since)
;; Return list of feedsmith-entry structs
)
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-fetch-unread-ids ((backend feedsmith-mybackend))
;; Return list of unread entry ID integers
)
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-fetch-starred-ids ((backend feedsmith-mybackend))
;; Return list of starred entry ID integers
)
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-mark-read ((backend feedsmith-mybackend) ids)
;; Mark IDs as read
)
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-mark-unread ((backend feedsmith-mybackend) ids)
;; Mark IDs as unread
)
(cl-defmethod feedsmith-backend-set-starred ((backend feedsmith-mybackend) id starred)
;; Set starred state
)- Set your backend:
(setq feedsmith-backend (feedsmith-mybackend :api-url "https://..."))
- support other sync services (create an issue)
- show read items
- support your emacs theme for colouring the text in feed views
