# Distinguish parameters from normal variables in semantic token highlighting \(\#60949\) · gitcafe/zed

[View on GitCafe](https://git.cafe/gitcafe/zed/commit/9554ea58c3c2f5c0d03051253273148a48b5f679)

Repository: [gitcafe/zed](https://git.cafe/gitcafe/zed)

Visibility: public

Requested revision: 9554ea58c3c2f5c0d03051253273148a48b5f679

Requested commit: 9554ea58c3c2f5c0d03051253273148a48b5f679

Commit: 9554ea58c3c2f5c0d03051253273148a48b5f679

Tree: ec1dff83e6383e8940497e55df0412ff8c3c5239

Author: Xin Zhao

Committer: GitHub

## Message

```
Distinguish parameters from normal variables in semantic token highlighting (#60949)

# Objective

Closes #60928

Currently, only the declaration of parameters in a function header is
highlighted as `variable.parameter`. Inside the function body,
parameters are highlighted as normal variables, making them
indistinguishable from local variables.

This PR ensures consistent highlighting for parameters throughout their
entire scope, helping developers distinguish between function inputs and
locally defined variables.

## Solution

- Updated the `default_semantic_token_rules.json`: when the token type
is `parameter`, no matter what token modifiers are, it is now mapped to
`variable.parameter` highlight style.

## Testing

Tested locally with Rust. The improvement in visual hierarchy is
demonstrated in the comparison below.

## Self-Review Checklist:

- [x] I've reviewed my own diff for quality, security, and reliability
- [x] Unsafe blocks (if any) have justifying comments
- [x] The content adheres to Zed's UI standards
([UX/UI](https://github.com/zed-industries/zed/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md#uiux-checklist)
and
[icon](https://github.com/zed-industries/zed/blob/main/crates/icons/README.md)
guidelines)
- [ ] Tests cover the new/changed behavior
- [x] Performance impact has been considered and is acceptable

## Showcase

| Before | After |
| :---: | :---: |
| <img width="1178" height="400" alt="before"
src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/90a01543-2dcc-41e0-a2a3-f8020c6d77ee"
/> | <img width="1194" height="387" alt="after"
src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/c81ba273-2ea7-4d38-b7df-a6069c09c28a"
/>|

---

Release Notes:

- Improved semantic token highlighting to distinguish function
parameters from local variables.
```

## Parents

- [7a3a82325afb5e5188864be39af75ee30a4eebf6](https://git.cafe/gitcafe/zed/commit/7a3a82325afb5e5188864be39af75ee30a4eebf6?format=markdown)

[Source at this commit](https://git.cafe/gitcafe/zed/tree/9554ea58c3c2f5c0d03051253273148a48b5f679?format=markdown)