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Many of the most popular Markdown applications use one of the following lightweight markup languages: They include Gruber’s basic syntax and build upon it by adding additional elements like tables, code blocks, syntax highlighting, URL auto-linking, and footnotes. There are several lightweight markup languages that are supersets of Markdown. If it doesn’t, it may still be possible to enable extensions in your Markdown processor. You’ll need to check whether or not the lightweight markup language your application is using supports the extended syntax elements you want to use. Not all Markdown applications support extended syntax elements. These elements can be enabled by using a lightweight markup language that builds upon the basic Markdown syntax, or by adding an extension to a compatible Markdown processor. Several individuals and organizations took it upon themselves to extend the basic syntax by adding additional elements like tables, code blocks, syntax highlighting, URL auto-linking, and footnotes. The basic syntax outlined in John Gruber’s original design document added many of the elements needed on a day-to-day basis, but it wasn’t enough for some people.
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