How to use markdown
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In the help file I find:
»To initiate a Code Block, type three backticks (“`) and then space bar.«
I believe, this means, when I type thre baclticks and zje süace bat, can use Markdown. This is nor true. But then I find:
»When using a code block, click/tap the code icon at the bottom right to switch between Edit and Read modes.«
Unfortunately there os no icon at the bottom right.
After an illustratiom which illustrates nothing I find this information:
»A code block may also be initiated by typing 3 back ticks and tap the Spacebar.«
With other words: »A code block may be initiated by typing 3 back ticks and tap the Spacebar, or a code block may be initiated by typing 3 back ticks and tap the Spacebar.« This a little bit strange, bt it doesn’t matter, because it doesn’t work this way. But id there a point where I can find the information how it works?
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What you describe at the beginning, typing three “backticks” and then pressing the space bar works for me. Creating any of the supported markdown elements in Day One should only require that you be in the editor pane with a journal entry in that pane. Creating a code block with markdown does, though, require that you’re starting at the beginning of the line in the editor. You can’t create a code block mid-sentence.
`<space></p> <p>There is another consideration. I was trying this in the macOS version of Day One (the latest version). What environment are you using? macOS? iOS? iPadOS? Android? Web?</p> <p>It is possible that some version of Day One other than macOS is having a problem or markdown is just not supported at all in that environment. (I cannot test this myself as I only use the macOS version.)</p> -
Thank you. It seems as if I don’t understand what ‘code block’ means and why the option to use MarkDown is available in the first place. The help file doesn’t explain this, but assumes that you already know. Since I don’t know and can’t find out, I’ll have to do without. Maybe it’s unnecessary anyway.
Nevertheless, it remains strange that there is mention of a ‘code icon at the bottom right’ that is nowhere to be seen. I use the MacOS version (but not for much longer, I think).
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What Is MarkDown Language?
Markdown formatting is not specific to Day One. It is a universal formatting language, much like HTML is a universal language. Many applications use markdown, not just Day One.
There are numerous guides and references on the internet for markdown language. My favorite and go-to guide is:
https://www.markdownguide.org/basic-syntax/
This reference gives a minimal explanation of the code block element. Other references might define it more extensively.
Why is markdown even used at all? Way back in the early days, that was the only way to format text. Even after formatting by menu command was added, for the longest time markdown was the only way to format texts with the strikethrough style (strikethrough is a menu command, now). Today, markdown elements like code blocks and tables are only possible through markdown.
What is a Code Block?
Basically, a code block is a paragraph that displays the test enclosed in it in mono-spaced format (as opposed to variable-spaced formatting, as used in this forum’s interface). This is common for writing about application source code, such as a programmer might do.
If you’re not documenting application source code, then you might not need this formatting. (Hint: it’s pretty ugly and more difficult to read than variable-spaced text.)
Indented Text as an Alternative to Code Blocks?
Perhaps indenting text might be what you need. The indented paragraph formatting displays the text of the paragraph slightly indented, with a bar on the left side of the paragraph, and the text in a different color than paragraph/body text. You start an indented paragraph at the beginning of the line by typing a right angle bracket (“>”) and pressing the space bar. Then type the text to be indented. An example of indented text is shown below.
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
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Sorry. Error in my explanation. The paragraph about why MarkDown is used to all is answering the question why it is used in Day One.
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