A markdown language is a system to annotate text in a way that computers can recognize, like annotations, for formatting. HTML is one of the best known markup languages.

So, what is the difference between HTML and Markup? In order to type a text, you have to know the code and you have to type it by hand (or use a program) and include all tags and <> symbols.

Markdown was created to facilitate the formatting of a text for online publishing without the use of complicated code, easy to type with any kind of text editor, and also easy to read.

Benefits of Markdown:

• Plain text, you don't need any software but a text editor
• Easy to learn
• Easy to read unformatted text.
• Easy to convert to other formats
• HTML code can be inserted.
• Clean code without empty tags

Markdown vs. WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor is the classic editor you'll find almost everywhere online, from your gmail to your wordpress blog. This editor allows you to format your text according to what you want. Add lists, blockquotes, bold and italics among other options. The system is pretty simple to use because you'll be seeing live what you are editing.

The problem with this editor is that the program will automatically edit the HTML code of the page by adding inline formatting, embedding styles and adding unnecessary divs and spans. If you want to have a site with consistent format, following W3C standards and other good practices, the WYSIWYG editor can became a headache.

The problem with Markdown is that it is a little bit more difficult than an office-like editor and many users will complain about it. But if they ever suffered from mysterious white spaces, lists that don't work and titles that magically stop working Markdown is the solution.

Some Markdown Examples

In general, Markdown is pretty simple to learn, there are a couple tags to remember, but after some practice you'll be able to write it fluently:

• Emphasized text: *emphasis* for italics, and **strong emphasis** for bold.
• To show code: Some text with `some code` inside.
• To create lists: * Another item in a bulleted list, if you add four spaces it will make it a sub-item.
• Enumerated lists: 1. An item in an enumerated (ordered) list. 2. for the second item.
• HTML Headings: Just add # in front of the line: # First-level heading ## Second-level heading
• Blockquotes: For blockquotes just add > at the beginning of the paragraph.
  Links: [link text here](link.address.here "link title here")

Markdown Software

Markdown was created so you can write it without using any special software. Nevertheless, there are some programs that can help you to make it even easier, and preview what you are doing live:

• MarkdownPad is a free, full-featured Markdown editor for Windows. This program shows two columns. The left one being the one with Markdown, and the right one the live preview.
• WriteMonkey: Is a simple and really beautiful text editor for Windows, with Markdown support.
• Mou: Is another markdown editor for Mac, right now the Beta is free and just for Lion but you can get it also for older OS.
• IAWriter: Is a digital writing tool for Mac with many options (like spell check and profession typography), but that also has an Auto-markdown capability.
• Elements: This is a text editor for iPad and iPhone with markdown support. It lets you create, view, edit and preview Markdown files on your iPad or iPhone.

Post your comment

Submit