---
# System prepended metadata

title: 5 Reasons why markdown is awesome!!

---

# 5 Reasons why markdown is awesome!!

::: info
## Reason 1: Admonitions

The consistent and reliable admonition boxes that can be created by simply wrapping text in three colons `:::`, and then styled using different labels (e.g. `success`, `warning`).
:::

::: warning
## Reason 2: Syntax

Font styles that are decoupled from the formatting of the typeface, which means no awkward, frustrating and uncertain behaviour as with Word.

```
# Heading 1
## Heading 2
### Heading 3
** Bold **
* Italics *
```

# Heading 1
## Heading 2
### Heading 3
**Bold**
*Italics*
:::

::: success
## Reason 3: Interoperability

They're just text files, which means you're not beholden to the whims of large corporations, and the technology is open source.

==Fun Fact==: it was co-created by the legendary John Gruber and Aaron Swartz :smile: 

:::

:::danger
## Reason 4: Extensions

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of extensions to explore:

1. Graphics using mermaid.js

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A{Should I use markdown?}
    A -->|Yes| B[It's awesome]
    A -->|No| C[N/A]
```

2. Maths and $L^aT_eX$ formatting: $E=Mc^2$
3. Code Blocks

```javascript
var cool_people_using_markdown = ["Chris", "Cami", "Clau"];
cool_people_using_markdown.push("Mike");
console.log(cool_people_using_markdown)

(4) ['Chris', 'Cami', 'Clau', 'Mike']
```
:::

:::spoiler Ooh, one last one. Click to reveal!
## Reason 5: Accessible Media

It's really easy to embed media, especially when it's stored remotely on a content delivery network such as GitHub. And, the ability to add accessibilty tags is also a plus!

![An illustration showing participatpry design in practice](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/alan-turing-institute/turing-commons/main/docs/assets/images/illustrations/participatory-design.png)
:::