What is Markdown?

Markdown is a lightweight markup language that uses plain text formatting syntax to create structured documents. Created by John Gruber in 2004, it's designed to be easy to write and read in its plain text form, yet capable of being converted to HTML and other formats.

Markdown has become the de facto standard for documentation, README files, forums, and content management systems. Its simplicity and readability make it ideal for writers who want formatting without complexity.

GitHub: Markdown is the primary format for GitHub README files, issues, and comments, making it essential for developers.

Features

  • Simple, readable plain text syntax
  • Easy to learn (basics in minutes)
  • Converts to HTML, PDF, DOCX
  • Supports headings, lists, links, images
  • Code blocks with syntax highlighting
  • Tables and task lists (extended syntax)
  • Perfect for version control
  • Works in any text editor

Use Cases

Perfect For

  • README files and documentation
  • Blog posts and articles
  • GitHub/GitLab content
  • Technical writing
  • Note-taking apps (Obsidian, Notion)
  • Static site generators (Jekyll, Hugo)
  • Forum posts and comments

Advantages

  • Extremely easy to learn
  • Plain text = version control friendly
  • Portable across platforms
  • Fast to write
  • No proprietary software needed
  • Converts to many formats
  • Widely supported

Disadvantages

  • Limited formatting options
  • No WYSIWYG editor by default
  • Multiple "flavors" (GitHub, CommonMark, etc.)
  • Complex layouts difficult
  • Requires conversion for final output

Technical Information

Markdown uses simple text symbols to indicate formatting, making it human-readable in its raw form.

Technical Specifications

File extension .md, .markdown
MIME type text/markdown
Format type Plain text markup
Encoding UTF-8
Variants CommonMark, GitHub Flavored, etc.
Output HTML, PDF, DOCX, etc.