Markdown Topic Normalizer

Purpose

Standardize notes that use literal topic markers like \# ... and leading *... / * ... as pseudo-headings.

When To Use

• A note uses \# to denote a topic start.
• A note uses leading */\* as item-level topic markers (not intended as list bullets).

Core Rules

1. Never edit inside fenced code blocks

• Skip all lines between opening and closing fences (``` or ~~~).

2. Normalize escaped hash topic markers

• ^\\#\s*(.+)$ -> heading (## or ### based on file style)
• ^\\#\s*$ -> blank line
• ^(#{1,6})\s+\\#\s*(.+)$ -> keep same heading level, remove escaped hash

3. Normalize leading star topic markers (file-level decision)

• If file clearly uses star-prefixed topic items:
  • ^\*+\s*(.+)$ -> heading (### by default)
  • ^\\\*+\s*(.+)$ -> heading (### by default)
  • Empty marker-only lines -> blank line
• Do not convert normal bullet lists in files where * is used as actual list syntax.

4. Handle wrapped marker variants

• If content appears as italic-wrapped markers (e.g. *\# title*), strip wrappers and normalize.

Heading Level Heuristic

• Prefer ## if the note already uses ## for top-level topics.
• Otherwise use ### to avoid flattening document structure.

Verification

After conversion, confirm no marker remnants outside code fences:

• no literal escaped hash topics remain: ^\\#
• no escaped hash directly under headings: ^#{1,6}\s+\\#
• no leftover star markers (if star conversion was intended): ^\\?\*\s*\S

Also spot-check beginning + a middle section for readability.

Safety

• Preserve original prose content; only change marker syntax.
• Avoid broad global replacements without line-anchored patterns.
• Keep changes minimal and deterministic.