In the early days, before the internet, there was plain text. Then, the internet was created, and HTML emerged as the dominant way to format text for the web. But having two separate formats was not ideal. Markdown was then introduced as a solution, allowing for the creation of content in plain text that could be easily converted to various formats like HTML, PDF, LaTeX, and Microsoft Word DOC.
Markdown is now widely used across the web, with support embedded in many online text editors and note-taking apps. Its success lies in its simplicity and flexibility, as it was designed to be easy to read and write, based on existing conventions used in plain text emails and online posts.
One key assumption behind Markdown is that plain text is the best long-term storage format for data. This makes sense, as plaintext is the foundation of coding and file systems, emphasizing its importance in the digital world.
Personally, I first encountered Markdown in 2004 and quickly adopted it for its ease of use and adaptability. I even customized a parser to convert Markdown to LaTeX for document typesetting. However, Markdown’s simplicity can lead to ambiguity, especially for programmers who prefer clear and precise instructions.
Some attempts have been made to standardize Markdown, such as the creation of CommonMark, which aims to eliminate ambiguities and establish a definitive syntax. While CommonMark offers a more structured approach, many still prefer the original Markdown for its informal and adaptable nature.
Despite the lack of a formal standard, Markdown continues to be widely used and adapted by individuals and organizations. Its open-source nature allows for customization and innovation, making it a versatile tool for content creation.
In the end, Markdown’s success lies in its democratic nature – it belongs to everyone who uses it. The lack of a strict standard may introduce challenges, but it also allows for freedom and creativity in how Markdown is utilized and implemented. This informal and human-centric approach is what makes Markdown timeless and powerful in the world of digital content creation.
