For instance, some programmers use the Markdown language to write supporting documents (e.g. But even tech-savvy people resort to Markdown for writing simple texts. This makes Markdown appealing particularly to users who don’t have a background in IT or web design skills, but still want to write texts for the internet regularly : for example, bloggers who work with a content management system (CMS). in plain text), a reader can easily determine what the author means – even without understanding the Markdown syntax.

On the one hand, this version is easier to read as the asterisks make the bold text clear, and on the other hand, the four characters can be typed much quicker than tags. This means the text is relatively easy for people to read. Markdown uses self-explanatory elements to format the text. It wants the best of both worlds: to be understandable for both people and machines. The simplified markup language Markdown seeks to change exactly that. Languages like HTML or LaTeX can be written with any text editor, but they aren’t easy for people to decipher. And if you did, you probably wouldn’t know what to do with it: This code can scarcely be read by people.

You don’t actually get to see the source text itself, including the markup elements (markers), with Word and similar programs. Generally, in these situations you mark the text and the software then displays it how you wish. Any word processing program offers users a wide range of options for arranging their text.īut this is by no means a matter of course. We consider this formatting to be obvious – and when we write a text on the PC ourselves, we can usually do so without any problems: from adjusting the font size and adding bullet points to making words bold. Particularly important words are set in bold, a heading stands out from the rest of the test, and a structured list makes the text clearer. When we read texts – whether online, in a newspaper or a printed book – we expect a certain format.

Macdown markdown