Markdownkeeltes

Markdownkeeltes is a term that refers to the various implementations and extensions of the Markdown markup language. Markdown itself is a lightweight markup language designed for readability and ease of writing. Its primary goal is to allow people to write using an easy-to-read, easy-to-write plain text format, then convert it to structurally valid XHTML (or HTML).

The original Markdown syntax was created by John Gruber and Aaron Swartz. However, over time, many different developers and platforms have created their own versions, often adding new features or modifying existing ones to suit their specific needs. These variations are what are collectively referred to as "Markdownkeeltes."

Common variations include GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM), which is widely used on GitHub and adds features like task lists, strikethrough, and table support. Other notable implementations include MultiMarkdown, which offers advanced features like footnotes, citations, and cross-referencing, and Pandoc's Markdown, known for its extensive support for various document formats and its ability to convert between them.

The existence of multiple Markdownkeeltes can sometimes lead to compatibility issues. While basic Markdown syntax is generally consistent across most implementations, the extended features may not be supported by all parsers. This means that a document written with GFM-specific syntax might not render correctly if processed by a parser that only understands basic Markdown. Developers and users often need to be aware of which Markdown flavor is being used to ensure proper rendering and functionality. Despite these variations, Markdown remains a popular choice for writing documentation, README files, forum posts, and web content due to its simplicity and versatility.