Markdown (.md)

Markdown is a lightweight markup language designed to make text easy to read and write. It uses plain text formatting syntax that can be converted into valid HTML by various tools. This simplicity has made it the de facto standard for writing documentation, README files, and content for static site generators like Jekyll and Hugo.

Markdown was created to address the need for a readable plain text format that could be easily converted to HTML. Unlike WYSIWYG editors, Markdown allows writers to focus on content without getting distracted by formatting tools. Its widespread adoption across platforms like GitHub, Reddit, and Slack ensures that content remains accessible and portable across different environments.