What’s a Markdown?

It’s actually just “Markdown,” and it’s a plain-text syntax for document markup built by John Gruber. It takes plain text and magically makes it into perfectly-formed HTML. It’s simple and intuitive, and once you learn 6 or 7 basics, you’re off and running (additional/alternative documentation at TUAW). Thanks to Fletcher Penny and his MultiMarkdown project, you can even create beautiful PDF’s and LaTeX documents. If you’re so inclined, you can turn Markdown into a Word file… without ever having to use a word processor. All of this means that if you build a web-clipping system based on Markdown, you’re guaranteed a Spotlight-indexed (on a Mac), UNIX-searchable, easy to maintain and totally portable solution for storing information. Plus, with a few tools you can make look really pretty when you read it. This is where Marky finds his place in the world.

What’s a Markdownifier?

That one actually gets the singular article. It’s a tool that goes in the opposite direction, turning HTML into Markdown. It uses the Readability algorithm to determine what part of the page is actually of interest, cutting out the ads and comments and such. What you get back is a plain text representation of the page, ready for adding to any text-based note taking application, or just storing in text files on your disk. Sometimes it doesn’t work. I’m just letting you know.

I’m scared, can I just stick with HTML instead?

Yes, just check the “Preview as HTML” box, and you’ll never see Markdown. You really should try Markdown, though. It’s easy and fun at parties. The Preview as HTML option will actually do the Markdown conversion, and then convert back to HTML, giving you very clean source code that won’t cause issues when pasted elsewhere.

How much data are you collecting about me?

I’m running Google Analytics on these pages. I know how many people were here, what browsers and platform they were using, and that’s about all. If you want to, you can even block those and pretend you’re a ninja (you’re not, but if it makes you feel better…). The pages you view are not recorded by me. There’s no database here at all. I’ll eventually get around to adding a means for voluntary submission of sites that work and sites that don’t for the improvement of the app, but right now… well, there’s no shame in being too lazy to put together a full-on web app in two days, is there?

Can I take it home with me?

You’re in luck. Bookmarklets that should work in your browser are available below. Appropriately, you’ll find them in the “Bookmarklets” section.

I have big ideas, got an API?

There’s something resembling an API for this thing. See the API section below.

Who are you and what are you doing here?

My name is Brett, and I don’t like sleeping. This insomnia leads to weird and sometimes silly projects. This is one of them, but I’m still uncertain as to whether it’s weird, silly or both.

To whom are you indebted for this thing?

John Gruber, creator of Markdown, for making the Markdown Kool-Aid . Milian Wolff for Markdownify. You can spend all day messing around with XSL sheets and Pandoc tricks, but Markdownify is the hammer that smashes HTML into line. And into Markdown, more to the point. Michel Fortin for PHP Markdown. Also, on an unrelated note, for Magic Launch. I love that app. Keyvan Minoukadeh for PHP Readability. It’s one of the better ports of Arc90’s original. I’m working on tweaking a few things for my specific needs, but it was pretty darn cool to start with.

How frequently are these questions really asked?