How to Add a Code Block in Markdown

The quick answer: Wrap code in triple backticks on their own lines. Add a language name after the opening backticks for syntax highlighting.

Fenced Code Block

``` ```python def greet(name): return f"Hello, {name}!" ``` ```

The language identifier (python, javascript, bash, etc.) enables syntax highlighting. Supported languages include: python, js, ts, jsx, tsx, html, css, json, yaml, bash, sql, go, rust, and dozens more.

Inline Code

For short code references within a sentence, use single backticks: Use the print() function to display output.

Use inline code for variable names, function names, file paths, and short commands.

Common Language Identifiers

• js or javascript — JavaScript
• ts or typescript — TypeScript
• py or python — Python
• bash or sh — Shell/Terminal
• json — JSON
• html — HTML
• css — CSS
• sql — SQL

For the complete list of supported languages and syntax options, see the Markdown code reference.

Syntax Highlighting on Different Platforms

GitHub, GitLab, and MarkdownTools all support syntax highlighting with language identifiers. Discord renders code blocks but without highlighting — just monospace font.

Backtick Inside Inline Code

To show a backtick inside inline code, use double backticks as the delimiter: backtick `

Indented Code Block (Legacy)

You can also create code blocks by indenting every line with 4 spaces. This is the old syntax — fenced backticks are preferred as they support language identifiers.

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Full reference: Markdown Code Blocks.

Ready to put this into practice? Paste your markdown into the free MarkdownTools PDF exporter or HTML converter — no signup required.