Markdown is a lightweight markup language for formatting text, converting plain writing into HTML. It was created to be easy to read and write, since the source text looks like the final result, without complicated tags.

How it works

Markdown uses simple syntax: # for headings, text for bold, text for italic, - for lists, text for links, > for quotes, | for tables and ``` for code blocks. The text is converted to HTML at compile time, so the reader sees the finished result.

Practical example

Markdown
# Titulo principal

Texto **negrito** e *italico*.

- Item 1
- Item 2

[Link para o site](https://exemplo.com)

Converted to HTML, it becomes a structure of headings, paragraphs and a list.

What it is used for

Markdown is used in: READMEs on GitHub, blog posts (like bridgecode), documentation, chat messages, project management issues and plain text focused writing environments.

Related terms

  • HTML: markup language
  • readme: documentation file
  • github: platform that uses Markdown in repositories and issues

How to test today

Create a .md file, write text with # and ** and see how it appears in an online renderer. Try converting it and see the output in HTML.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Markdown? It is a lightweight markup language for formatting text in HTML, used in READMEs, blogs and documentation.
  • Is Markdown better than HTML? It depends: Markdown is easier to read and write, but HTML is more powerful and flexible for complex layouts.
  • Where can I learn Markdown? There are free tutorials, basic documentation on GitHub and online renderers, like the Markdown Guide.