Context

To understand advantages of markdown languages, we should first understand markup language and their limitations. html is the most popular markup language. SGML and and XML are two other popular markup languages.

Either it is markup or markdown we need to have scope for couple of types of text.

  1. text that is content. Think of it like actual text that you read on a screen. media is a special case and we can discuss that later.
  2. text that is required for layout or display related.
  3. text that is meta data. alt text, seo tags etc

to support these markup languages majorly uses tags. the tags themselves contribute to how some text should be displayed. the text between the tags is the actual text that should be shown. the props in the tags generally are used for metadata

learn the basics

learn the basics quickly - https://learnxinyminutes.com/docs/markdown/

a good editor for quick preview - https://stackedit.io/app#

react editor for markdown - https://github.com/remarkjs/react-markdown#use-custom-components-syntax-highlight

References

  1. https://twitter.com/TfTHacker/status/1440357448762605570?s=19
  2. https://twitter.com/tallguyjenks/status/1440384441898000399?s=19

Why Developers Prefer Markdown Over Markup

Markdown is widely preferred by developers for its simplicity and efficiency in writing and managing text. Unlike traditional markup languages (e.g., HTML), Markdown focuses on ease of use, readability, and portability.


Comparison of Markdown and Markup

FeatureMarkdownMarkup (e.g., HTML)
Ease of UseSimple syntax, easy to learn and useComplex, verbose syntax
ReadabilityHighly readable in raw formatLess readable without rendering
Learning CurveMinimal, beginner-friendlySteeper learning curve
UsageBest for quick documentation, notesBest for complex web structures
Tools RequiredAny text editorSpecialized IDEs or editors recommended
ExtensibilityLimited, focuses on simplicityHighly extensible and customizable
File SizeLightweightCan be larger due to verbose syntax
OutputEasily converts to HTML, PDF, etc.Outputs structured web content directly

Markdown vs Other Options

FeatureMarkdownHTMLLaTeXWYSIWYG Editors
Ease of UseEasy to useModerately complexComplexVery easy
ReadabilityExcellentModeratePoorExcellent
Learning CurveLowMediumHighNone
Best Use CaseDocumentation, blogsWebsitesAcademic papersCasual content
Rendering SupportWideUniversalSpecialized softwareBuilt-in
CustomizationMinimalHighExtremely highLimited

Why Markdown?

Markdown strikes a balance between

Referenced in:

All notes