What is Markdown?
Markdown is a markup language that allows you to change or add formatting on plain-text documents. Unlike a Word document, in which you can change text formatting at the click of a button, Markup requires users to denote desired formatting with special Markup syntax (ie. to make something bold, you have to place two asterisks on either side: **this would be bold in Markup**). Unlike languages like HTML, it's easy to read even before its rendered, so if the platform you're using doesn't include a real-time preview, it's still easy to work with! It is also highly versatile. People use Markup to create notes, books, websites, documents, and even emails! (It's also popular on Discord, Reddit and GitHub.) It's also platform independent — meaning that if you decide to change the Markdown platform you're using, you can change to another easily!
(for some more tips on writing with Markdown, easily and efficiently, go here!)
Let's get to it! Here's a run down of the top Markdown platforms....
DILLINGER.IO
Dillinger.io is an online Markdown editor. It allows you to start typing right into your browser window, and gives you a real-time preview on the right side so you can see how your code is coming along and keep an eye out for any mistakes. It's also free!
Pros:
- Real-time, split-screen rendering
- Online (right in your browser, no need to download)
- FREE!!
- Multiple themes to choose from
- No ads
Cons:
- Have to use it in-browser (can get slow)
- No spell check!!
ATOM.IO
Atom.io is a markdown editor being developed by GitHub, who claim that it is "the text editor [they've] always wanted: hackable to the core, but approachable on the first day." For this reason, Atom is great for beginners and the more-experienced alike.
Pros:
- Live, split-screen preview on the right side (with synced scrolling)
- FREE!!
- Compatible with extensions or plug-ins
- Ability to make 'packages,' or groups of code, that you can use to customize your workflow
- Can be used as a download or straight from your browser
- It is constantly being updated
Cons:
- While atom itself can be useful with only its built-in functions, a lot of its pros come from additional community plug-ins, which wouldn't be too useful for beginners
- Can take a long time to start running if you install too many packages on certain computers with less space
- Known to crash when you try to import larger filed (though that is being worked on)
MACDOWN
MacDown is a Markdown platform exclusively built for macOS. Like other Markdown editors, it supports split-screen previews so you can see what you're making as you make it!
Pros:
- Has real-time, split-screen render preview (like Dillinger)
- Open source
- FREE!!
- Has auto-completion for some Markdown symbols (saves time!)
- Has a tool bar with most-used Markdown short cuts (great for beginners)
Cons:
- It is not very customizable (can also be a pro: more simplicity)
- You have do download an app onto your device
- Because of the real-time rendered preview, the app can be very slow on certain computers
ghostwriter
Ghostwriter is a Markdown editor exclusively for Windows and Linux devices. It's marketed as being "distraction-free," meaning it doesn't have toolbars or ribbons, making your only focus the text itself. It can be used as a download or online.
Pros:
- Real-time preview!!
- FREE!!
- Whether or not you use it for Markdown is optional (you can just use it as a notepad too)
- It can display HTML code, too
- Word count
- Distraction-free mode that fades out the rest of the text, except for the sentence you're writing
- Auto-save option
- Customizable themes
Cons:
- The platform is targeted towards advanced users, but you don't have to use the more advanced options