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

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.