I am committed to becoming more advanced in using Markdown syntax.
Markdown is a way to format text for use in a plain-text editor. I use Markdown because I often need to access my notes from different devices and operating systems, and notes drafted in Markdown are portable. Since plain-text editors can open markdown files, notes are future-proof.
Currently, I use Obsidian for my notes, but many different apps provide Markdown editing. Here’s a basic guide to using Markdown.
Basic Markdown Syntax
Headings
To create a heading, add # signs before the first word. The number of # signs you use will reflect the size of the heading.
Heading 1
Uses one # sign. (# Heading 1)
Heading 2
Uses two # signs. (## Heading 2)
Heading 3
Uses three # signs. (### Heading 3)
Heading 4
Uses four # signs. (#### Heading 4)
Heading 5
Uses five # signs. (##### Heading 5)
Heading 6
Uses six # signs. (###### Heading 6)
Emphasis
Bold: **Bold text**
Italic: _Italic_ or *Italic*
This text uses __*italics and bold*__.
Lists
Ordered List
1. Thank you
2. For your
3. Time
The list above will render as:
- Thank you
- For your
- Time
Unordered List
– Thank you
– For your
– Time
The list above will render as:
- Thank you
- For your
- Time
Links
Example: [This is my guide to Markdown](https://mystudenthq.com/my-guide-to-learning-markdown) renders as This is my guide to Markdown.
Pictures
 The code above renders the following image.
Blockquotes
To create blockquotes:
> MyStudentHQ is a space to write about what I learn. This year, like many others, I have committed to learning and writing in public.The rendered output looks like this:
MyStudentHQ is a space to write about what I learn. This year, like many others, I have committed to learning and writing in public.
Code
Add ` before and after a word, phrase, or paragraph to render it as code. For example, adding ` before and after What does it mean to learn and write in public? renders as:
What does it mean to learn and write in public?
Codeblocks
To create code blocks, use three backticks “` before and after the text.
```
In simple terms, learning and writing in public means that I will write about what I learn, showcase the tools and resources I use, and show my work or unfinished products. Doing so boldly means that I am writing and publishing posts without fear–freeing myself from the plague of perfection.
```Other Markdown Elements
Note that the availability of these elements depend on your markdown editor
- To create a horizontal rule, I often use
---on a single line - You can highlight text with ==highlight==
- Activate the strikethrough element with the tilde symbol. For example, ~~I dislike this text~~ will render as
I dislike this text. - Subscript: X~2~ renders as X2
- Superscript: X^2^ renders as X2
Tables
To add a table, use hyphens and pipes shown below
| Fruits | Yes/No |
| ---------| -------|
| Apples | Yes |
| Banana | No |Tasks
- [x] Task 1
- [ ] Task 2
- [ ] Task 3If you are interested in visualizing or testing some of these examples, explore Dillinger. It is an excellent way to try out Markdown.
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