markdown-it vs remark vs showdown vs markdown
Markdown Parsing Libraries Comparison
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What's Markdown Parsing Libraries?

Markdown parsing libraries are tools used to convert Markdown text into HTML or other formats, enabling developers to easily render formatted text in web applications. These libraries vary in features, extensibility, and performance, catering to different needs in terms of simplicity, customization, and output quality. Choosing the right library can significantly impact the ease of integration, the flexibility of rendering options, and the overall performance of the application.

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markdown-it7,363,46319,029767 kB48a year agoMIT
remark1,985,7057,98215.7 kB0a year agoMIT
showdown729,95014,481801 kB222-MIT
markdown68,8427,701-10412 years ago-
Feature Comparison: markdown-it vs remark vs showdown vs markdown

Extensibility

  • markdown-it:

    'markdown-it' is highly extensible, allowing developers to create and integrate plugins for custom syntax and rendering options, making it ideal for complex applications.

  • remark:

    'remark' provides a robust plugin system that enables extensive transformations and custom processing of Markdown, making it the best choice for projects needing deep customization.

  • showdown:

    'showdown' offers limited extensibility through options but is primarily focused on straightforward conversion, making it less flexible than others.

  • markdown:

    The 'markdown' package is minimalistic and does not offer extensibility options, making it less suitable for projects requiring additional features or customization.

Performance

  • markdown-it:

    'markdown-it' is optimized for performance and can handle large documents efficiently, making it suitable for applications with high rendering demands.

  • remark:

    'remark' is designed for performance when processing large Markdown files, especially when using its syntax tree manipulation capabilities.

  • showdown:

    'showdown' provides decent performance for standard Markdown conversion but may not be as fast as 'markdown-it' for larger documents.

  • markdown:

    Being lightweight, 'markdown' offers fast performance for basic parsing tasks, but may struggle with larger documents or more complex features.

Learning Curve

  • markdown-it:

    'markdown-it' has a moderate learning curve, especially when utilizing its plugin system and advanced features, but is well-documented for ease of use.

  • remark:

    'remark' has a steeper learning curve due to its focus on syntax trees and transformations, which may require a deeper understanding of Markdown processing.

  • showdown:

    'showdown' is easy to learn and implement, making it a good choice for developers looking for a quick solution without complex configurations.

  • markdown:

    The 'markdown' library has a very low learning curve due to its simplicity and straightforward API, making it easy for beginners to adopt.

Output Quality

  • markdown-it:

    'markdown-it' produces high-quality HTML output with support for advanced Markdown features, making it suitable for professional applications.

  • remark:

    'remark' allows for high-quality output and offers flexibility in how the final HTML is structured, catering to specific project needs.

  • showdown:

    'showdown' generates good quality HTML output but may not handle all Markdown features as comprehensively as 'markdown-it'.

  • markdown:

    The output quality of 'markdown' is basic and may not support advanced Markdown features like tables or footnotes, limiting its use in more sophisticated applications.

Use Cases

  • markdown-it:

    Ideal for applications requiring complex Markdown processing, such as content management systems or blogs with custom syntax.

  • remark:

    Perfect for projects that need to manipulate Markdown content extensively, such as documentation generators or static site generators.

  • showdown:

    Great for quick implementations where simplicity and ease of use are prioritized, such as small web apps or personal projects.

  • markdown:

    Best suited for simple applications or static sites where basic Markdown rendering is sufficient.

How to Choose: markdown-it vs remark vs showdown vs markdown
  • markdown-it:

    Opt for 'markdown-it' if you require a highly customizable and extensible parser with support for plugins, advanced features like syntax highlighting, and a focus on performance. It's ideal for applications that need more control over the rendering process.

  • remark:

    Select 'remark' if you are looking for a powerful ecosystem for processing Markdown with a focus on syntax tree manipulation. It allows for extensive transformations and is best suited for projects that require complex processing of Markdown content.

  • showdown:

    Use 'showdown' if you need a straightforward and easy-to-use Markdown to HTML converter that works well in both browser and Node.js environments. It's particularly useful for projects that prioritize simplicity and quick setup.

  • markdown:

    Choose 'markdown' for a simple and lightweight solution if you need basic Markdown parsing without additional features or customization. It's suitable for small projects or quick implementations.

Similar Npm Packages to markdown-it

markdown-it is a powerful Markdown parser and compiler for JavaScript. It allows developers to convert Markdown text into HTML, making it a popular choice for applications that require rich text formatting. With its extensible architecture, markdown-it supports a variety of plugins that can enhance its functionality, such as adding support for tables, footnotes, and custom syntax. Its performance and flexibility make it suitable for both small projects and large applications that need to render Markdown content efficiently.

While markdown-it is a robust option, there are other libraries available that also provide Markdown parsing capabilities. Here are a few alternatives:

  • remark is a Markdown processor powered by plugins. It is part of the unified ecosystem, which allows for a wide range of transformations on Markdown content. remark focuses on the syntax tree, enabling developers to manipulate Markdown in a more programmatic way. This makes it an excellent choice for projects that require extensive customization and processing of Markdown content, such as static site generators or documentation tools. With its plugin architecture, remark can be tailored to fit specific needs, making it highly versatile.

  • showdown is another popular Markdown to HTML converter. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great choice for simple applications that need to convert Markdown to HTML without the overhead of additional features. showdown is particularly useful for projects where performance is a priority, as it has a minimal footprint and straightforward API. If you need a quick and efficient way to render Markdown in your application without the need for extensive customization, showdown is an excellent option.

To compare these packages, check out the following link: Comparing markdown-it vs remark vs showdown.

Similar Npm Packages to remark

remark is a powerful Markdown processor built on the unified ecosystem, designed to parse and transform Markdown content. It allows developers to work with Markdown in a structured way, enabling the creation of custom plugins and transformations. With its extensible architecture, remark is particularly useful for applications that require advanced Markdown processing, such as static site generators or documentation tools.

While remark offers a robust solution for handling Markdown, there are several alternatives available in the ecosystem that cater to different needs:

  • markdown-it is a fast and flexible Markdown parser that is designed to be extensible and customizable. It supports a wide range of Markdown features and syntax, making it a popular choice for projects that require a high level of compatibility with Markdown specifications. markdown-it also allows for the creation of plugins to extend its functionality, making it suitable for both simple and complex Markdown processing tasks.
  • marked is another widely used Markdown parser that emphasizes speed and simplicity. It is designed to convert Markdown into HTML quickly, making it a great choice for applications where performance is critical. marked supports a subset of the CommonMark specification and is easy to integrate into projects. If you need a straightforward solution for converting Markdown to HTML without the need for extensive customization, marked is an excellent option.
  • showdown is a JavaScript Markdown to HTML converter that is simple to use and lightweight. It provides a straightforward API for converting Markdown text into HTML, making it suitable for applications that require basic Markdown processing without additional complexity. showdown is particularly useful for projects that need a quick and easy way to render Markdown content in the browser or on the server.

To see how remark compares with markdown-it, marked, and showdown, check out the comparison: Comparing markdown-it vs marked vs remark vs showdown.

Similar Npm Packages to showdown

showdown is a popular JavaScript library that converts Markdown into HTML. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great choice for developers looking to integrate Markdown support into their web applications. Showdown provides a simple API for converting Markdown text to HTML, and it supports a variety of Markdown features, including tables, lists, and code blocks. Its flexibility and ease of integration make it a preferred option for many developers working with Markdown content.

However, there are several alternatives to Showdown that also provide Markdown parsing and rendering capabilities. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • markdown-it is a powerful Markdown parser that is highly extensible and customizable. It supports a wide range of Markdown features and allows developers to create plugins to extend its functionality. Markdown-it is known for its performance and flexibility, making it suitable for applications that require advanced Markdown processing. If you need a robust solution with a rich plugin ecosystem, markdown-it is an excellent choice.

  • marked is another fast and lightweight Markdown parser that is designed for speed and efficiency. It is simple to use and provides a straightforward API for converting Markdown to HTML. Marked is particularly known for its performance, making it ideal for applications that need to render large amounts of Markdown content quickly. If you prioritize speed and simplicity, marked is a solid option.

  • remarkable is a Markdown parser that focuses on extensibility and customization. It offers a variety of features, including support for custom syntax and plugins. Remarkable is designed to be fast and efficient while providing a high level of customization for developers who need specific Markdown features. If you are looking for a parser that allows for deep customization, remarkable is worth considering.

To compare these packages and see how they stack up against each other, check out the following link: Comparing markdown-it vs marked vs remarkable vs showdown.

Similar Npm Packages to markdown

markdown is a widely-used library for converting Markdown text into HTML. It simplifies the process of rendering Markdown content in web applications, making it easier for developers to work with text formatting. While the markdown package is effective, there are several alternatives that offer additional features and flexibility. Here are a few notable options:

  • markdown-it is a powerful Markdown parser that provides a wide range of features and plugins. It is designed for performance and extensibility, allowing developers to customize the parsing process to fit their needs. With support for CommonMark and a variety of plugins, markdown-it is an excellent choice for projects that require advanced Markdown rendering capabilities or specific formatting options. Its flexibility makes it suitable for both simple and complex applications.
  • remark is a Markdown processor powered by plugins, allowing developers to transform Markdown content in various ways. It is part of the unified ecosystem, which means it can be easily integrated with other tools for processing text. remark is particularly useful for projects that require custom transformations or linting of Markdown content. If you need to manipulate Markdown in a more sophisticated manner, remark offers a robust solution with a rich plugin ecosystem.
  • showdown is a JavaScript Markdown to HTML converter that is easy to use and lightweight. It provides a straightforward API for converting Markdown text into HTML, making it a great choice for developers looking for a simple solution without the need for extensive configuration. showdown is particularly useful for projects that require quick and easy Markdown rendering without the overhead of more complex libraries.

To explore how markdown compares with markdown-it, remark, and showdown, check out the comparison: Comparing markdown vs markdown-it vs remark vs showdown.

README for markdown-it

markdown-it

CI NPM version Coverage Status Gitter

Markdown parser done right. Fast and easy to extend.

Live demo

  • Follows the CommonMark spec + adds syntax extensions & sugar (URL autolinking, typographer).
  • Configurable syntax! You can add new rules and even replace existing ones.
  • High speed.
  • Safe by default.
  • Community-written plugins and other packages on npm.

Table of content

Install

node.js:

npm install markdown-it

browser (CDN):

Usage examples

See also:

Simple

// node.js
// can use `require('markdown-it')` for CJS
import markdownit from 'markdown-it'
const md = markdownit()
const result = md.render('# markdown-it rulezz!');

// browser with UMD build, added to "window" on script load
// Note, there is no dash in "markdownit".
const md = window.markdownit();
const result = md.render('# markdown-it rulezz!');

Single line rendering, without paragraph wrap:

import markdownit from 'markdown-it'
const md = markdownit()
const result = md.renderInline('__markdown-it__ rulezz!');

Init with presets and options

(*) presets define combinations of active rules and options. Can be "commonmark", "zero" or "default" (if skipped). See API docs for more details.

import markdownit from 'markdown-it'

// commonmark mode
const md = markdownit('commonmark')

// default mode
const md = markdownit()

// enable everything
const md = markdownit({
  html: true,
  linkify: true,
  typographer: true
})

// full options list (defaults)
const md = markdownit({
  // Enable HTML tags in source
  html:         false,

  // Use '/' to close single tags (<br />).
  // This is only for full CommonMark compatibility.
  xhtmlOut:     false,

  // Convert '\n' in paragraphs into <br>
  breaks:       false,

  // CSS language prefix for fenced blocks. Can be
  // useful for external highlighters.
  langPrefix:   'language-',

  // Autoconvert URL-like text to links
  linkify:      false,

  // Enable some language-neutral replacement + quotes beautification
  // For the full list of replacements, see https://github.com/markdown-it/markdown-it/blob/master/lib/rules_core/replacements.mjs
  typographer:  false,

  // Double + single quotes replacement pairs, when typographer enabled,
  // and smartquotes on. Could be either a String or an Array.
  //
  // For example, you can use '«»„“' for Russian, '„“‚‘' for German,
  // and ['«\xA0', '\xA0»', '‹\xA0', '\xA0›'] for French (including nbsp).
  quotes: '“”‘’',

  // Highlighter function. Should return escaped HTML,
  // or '' if the source string is not changed and should be escaped externally.
  // If result starts with <pre... internal wrapper is skipped.
  highlight: function (/*str, lang*/) { return ''; }
});

Plugins load

import markdownit from 'markdown-it'

const md = markdownit
  .use(plugin1)
  .use(plugin2, opts, ...)
  .use(plugin3);

Syntax highlighting

Apply syntax highlighting to fenced code blocks with the highlight option:

import markdownit from 'markdown-it'
import hljs from 'highlight.js' // https://highlightjs.org

// Actual default values
const md = markdownit({
  highlight: function (str, lang) {
    if (lang && hljs.getLanguage(lang)) {
      try {
        return hljs.highlight(str, { language: lang }).value;
      } catch (__) {}
    }

    return ''; // use external default escaping
  }
});

Or with full wrapper override (if you need assign class to <pre> or <code>):

import markdownit from 'markdown-it'
import hljs from 'highlight.js' // https://highlightjs.org

// Actual default values
const md = markdownit({
  highlight: function (str, lang) {
    if (lang && hljs.getLanguage(lang)) {
      try {
        return '<pre><code class="hljs">' +
               hljs.highlight(str, { language: lang, ignoreIllegals: true }).value +
               '</code></pre>';
      } catch (__) {}
    }

    return '<pre><code class="hljs">' + md.utils.escapeHtml(str) + '</code></pre>';
  }
});

Linkify

linkify: true uses linkify-it. To configure linkify-it, access the linkify instance through md.linkify:

md.linkify.set({ fuzzyEmail: false });  // disables converting email to link

API

API documentation

If you are going to write plugins, please take a look at Development info.

Syntax extensions

Embedded (enabled by default):

Via plugins:

Manage rules

By default all rules are enabled, but can be restricted by options. On plugin load all its rules are enabled automatically.

import markdownit from 'markdown-it'

// Activate/deactivate rules, with currying
const md = markdownit()
  .disable(['link', 'image'])
  .enable(['link'])
  .enable('image');

// Enable everything
const md = markdownit({
  html: true,
  linkify: true,
  typographer: true,
});

You can find all rules in sources:

Benchmark

Here is the result of readme parse at MB Pro Retina 2013 (2.4 GHz):

npm run benchmark-deps
benchmark/benchmark.mjs readme

Selected samples: (1 of 28)
 > README

Sample: README.md (7774 bytes)
 > commonmark-reference x 1,222 ops/sec ±0.96% (97 runs sampled)
 > current x 743 ops/sec ±0.84% (97 runs sampled)
 > current-commonmark x 1,568 ops/sec ±0.84% (98 runs sampled)
 > marked x 1,587 ops/sec ±4.31% (93 runs sampled)

Note. CommonMark version runs with simplified link normalizers for more "honest" compare. Difference is ≈1.5×.

As you can see, markdown-it doesn't pay with speed for its flexibility. Slowdown of "full" version caused by additional features not available in other implementations.

markdown-it for enterprise

Available as part of the Tidelift Subscription.

The maintainers of markdown-it and thousands of other packages are working with Tidelift to deliver commercial support and maintenance for the open source dependencies you use to build your applications. Save time, reduce risk, and improve code health, while paying the maintainers of the exact dependencies you use. Learn more.

Authors

markdown-it is the result of the decision of the authors who contributed to 99% of the Remarkable code to move to a project with the same authorship but new leadership (Vitaly and Alex). It's not a fork.

References / Thanks

Big thanks to John MacFarlane for his work on the CommonMark spec and reference implementations. His work saved us a lot of time during this project's development.

Related Links:

  • https://github.com/jgm/CommonMark - reference CommonMark implementations in C & JS, also contains latest spec & online demo.
  • http://talk.commonmark.org - CommonMark forum, good place to collaborate developers' efforts.

Ports

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