Markdown is an easy-to-use text-based markup language. It allows everyone, including the web development community, to create content without getting into all the complications of HTML. This simple language is intuitive and easy to learn. This is the reason why it is becoming increasingly popular with developers. If you are engaged in writing content for the web, but don’t like the distractions that come with the HTML syntax, this is the ideal language for you.
Simple Syntax
Using Markdown, we can achieve the same results as we would through HTML or Rich Text Format by using basic formatting syntax. There is no need to deal with those confusing opening and closing tags or the large number of menus that come with the major text editing applications. When it comes to formatting, we will be using characters and punctuation, something that we are already familiar with. For a Markdown cheat sheet, click here.
Main Characteristics
There are three main characteristics to why an increasing number of developers are getting drawn to it:
- It is text based, allowing us to write all that raw code in the text editor. It allows easy reading of files “marked down” in text editors.
- There is minimal coding.
- Writing is easier and neater, making proofreading easier and faster.
Because of these features, the language is widely used for formatting readme files and for creating messages in online forums.
Reasons for Using Markdown
There are a number of reasons why developers prefer using this language:
- It offers plain text writing. There are no excess amounts of tools that usually make things quite complicated.
- It is supported in many web programs – from Wikis to Tumblr.
- It can be written in almost any text editor and easily converted to another editor. For example, Hashify for the Web, Writemonkey in Windows, nvALT in Mac, Drafts in iOS and Epistle in Android.
- It is more compact, because storing HTML requires more space in the database.
- It can be used in many cases where it isn’t possible to use WYSIWYG editors.
- It helps in saving time, because there is no need to convert into HTML.
Besides delivering the ease of writing, Markdown is also easier to read. This is one of the biggest reasons why more experienced developers are using it over HTML. It may not be for everyone, but it is quite easy to learn and you could do a lot with it. What do you think about Markdown? Will you give it a try?