Markdown & LaTex

1. Markdown

Overview

A lightweight markup language for creating formatted text with plain syntax. Ideal for documentation, blogs, and simple content creation.

Usage

• Knowledge Bases: Use with tools like Docusaurus to build documentation sites and blogs.
• Project READMEs: Explain code, setup steps, and workflows in GitHub/GitLab repositories.
• Collaboration: Write issue templates, discussion threads, or wikis in platforms like GitHub or Slack.

Key Features

- **Headers**: `# H1`, `## H2`
- **Emphasis**: `*italic*`, `**bold**`
- **Lists**:
  - `- Item 1` (unordered)
  - `1. Item 1` (ordered)
- **Links**: `[text](url)`
- **Images**: `![alt](path)`
- **Code**: `` `inline` `` or triple backticks for blocks
- **Tables**: Pipe syntax (`| Col1 | Col2 |`)

Learning Resources

• Markdown Guide
• CommonMark Syntax

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2. TeX/LaTeX

Overview

A typesetting system designed for precision in complex documents, especially academic papers, books, and technical reports.

Usage

• Academic Papers: Format equations, references, and figures for journals (e.g., IEEE, Springer).
• Books/Theses: Automate table of contents, footnotes, and cross-references.
• Resumes/CVs: Craft polished layouts with tools like ModernCV.
• STEM Content: Write complex math formulas with native LaTeX support.

Key Features

% Document structure
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\section{Title}

% Math (LaTeX's strength)
\[ E = mc^2 \]

% Cross-references
\label{sec:intro}
See Section~\ref{sec:intro}.

% Bibliographies
\cite{key}
\end{document}

Learning Resources

• Overleaf (LaTeX Editor)
• LaTeX Project Documentation
• CTAN (Packages)

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3. Comparison

Feature	Markdown	TeX/LaTeX
Learning Curve	Easy	Difficult
Math Support	Limited (via extensions)	Native
Tables	Basic	Advanced
Automation	Minimal	Extensive (macros)
Output Quality	Good	Professional