60 commits that optimized standard zsh-syntax-highlighting to the point that it can edit 10 kB functions with zed/vared (optimizations done in history-search-multi-word). Also added:

1. Variable highlighting

   

2. Colorizing of ${(a)parameter[...]} inside strings (normally only $parameter is colorized)

   

3. Fixed colorizing of function definition, like abc() { ... } – abc will not be red

   

4. Fixed colorizing of complex conditions inside [[, like [[ "$a" || "$b" ]]

   

5. Closing ]] and ] are highlighted (see above)

6. Paths from $CDPATH aren't colorized unless the command is cd

Performance differencies can be observed at Asciinema recording, where 10 kB function is being edited:

The plugin is "standalone", which means that only sourcing it is needed. So to install, unpack fast-syntax-highlighting somewhere and add

source {where-fsh-is}/fast-syntax-highlighting.plugin.zsh

to zshrc.

If using a plugin manager, then Zplugin is recommended, but you can use any other too, and also install with Oh My Zsh (by copying directory to ~/.oh-my-zsh/custom/plugins).

Add zplugin load psprint/fast-syntax-highlighting to your .zshrc file. Zplugin will handle cloning the plugin for you automatically the next time you start zsh. To update issue zplugin update psprint/fast-syntax-highlighting (update-all can also be used).

Add antigen bundle psprint/fast-syntax-highlighting to your .zshrc file. Antigen will handle cloning the plugin for you automatically the next time you start zsh.

1. cd ~/.oh-my-zsh/custom/plugins
2. git clone https://github.com/zdharma/fast-syntax-highlighting.git
3. Add fast-syntax-highlighting to your plugin list

Add zgen load psprint/fast-syntax-highlighting to your .zshrc file in the same place you're doing your other zgen load calls in.