Data Formats
data
formats
documentation
What is Markdown?
Definition
Markdown is a lightweight markup language that uses plain text formatting syntax (# for headings, * for bold, - for lists) that can be converted to HTML. Created by John Gruber in 2004, it is designed to be readable without rendering.
Why It Matters
Markdown is the standard for README files, documentation, GitHub issues, Slack messages, and static site generators. Every developer writes Markdown daily. GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) adds tables, task lists, and code fencing.