Developer workflow
Markdown for Developers
By KenRich ยท Last updated: July 23, 2026
Developers use Markdown because it works with code, Git, issue trackers, docs systems, and release notes. A good Markdown file keeps technical notes close to the commands, examples, and decisions they explain.
Use Markdown for repeatable technical documents
READMEs, architecture notes, API drafts, runbooks, changelogs, release plans, and onboarding guides fit Markdown because the source is readable, diffable, and reviewable.
Every document does not need to be formal. It just needs to be easy to start, review, and maintain.
# API Change
## Summary
Explain the change in two or three sentences.
## Migration
```bash
npm run test
npm run build
```
## Compatibility
| Runtime | Status |
| --- | --- |
| Node 22 | Supported |API Change
Summary
Explain the change in two or three sentences.
Migration
npm run test
npm run build
Compatibility
| Runtime | Status |
|---|---|
| Node 22 | Supported |
NoteA shell like this is enough to start a reviewable technical note.
Use language labels for syntax highlighting
Good developer docs explain the intent, then show the command, request, or code block. Put examples near the paragraph they support, not at the end of the document.
Add a language label after the opening fence so the preview can highlight syntax. VeloWrite currently highlights common documentation languages including Bash, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and Java.
Run the checks before opening the release PR:
```bash
npm test
npm run build
```
Then document the changed option:
```ts
type ExportMode = "markdown" | "html";
function labelFor(mode: ExportMode) {
return mode === "html" ? "Rendered HTML" : "Markdown source";
}
```Run the checks before opening the release PR:
npm test
npm run build
Then document the changed option:
type ExportMode = "markdown" | "html";
function labelFor(mode: ExportMode) {
return mode === "html" ? "Rendered HTML" : "Markdown source";
}
NoteThe language name after the opening fence controls syntax highlighting.
Keep multi-language examples compact
Some developer docs need to show the same idea in more than one language. Stacking every version vertically can make the page hard to scan.
VeloWrite groups adjacent Python, Bash, JavaScript, and Java code blocks into tabs, so readers can switch language without losing the surrounding explanation.
The same quick check can be shown in several languages:
```python
print("VeloWrite")
```
```bash
echo VeloWrite
```
```javascript
console.log("VeloWrite");
```
```java
System.out.println("VeloWrite");
```The same quick check can be shown in several languages:
print("VeloWrite")
echo VeloWrite
console.log("VeloWrite");
System.out.println("VeloWrite");
NoteUse tabs when each block shows the same idea in a different language.
Record technical decisions while they are fresh
Small decision notes save time later. They explain why a tradeoff was made, what alternatives were rejected, and what to revisit when the system changes.
Markdown fits this work because the source can live near code, be reviewed in Git, or stay as a local draft until the decision is ready to share.
## Decision
Use local browser storage for quick web drafts.
## Why
- No account is required for the first trial.
- Drafts survive a refresh on the same device.
- Sensitive long-term files still belong on desktop.
## Revisit when
Private sync moves from roadmap to implementation.Decision
Use local browser storage for quick web drafts.
Why
- No account is required for the first trial.
- Drafts survive a refresh on the same device.
- Sensitive long-term files still belong on desktop.
Revisit when
Private sync moves from roadmap to implementation.
NoteDecision notes explain the constraint as well as the final choice.
Write runbooks as steps, checks, and rollback notes
A runbook can be boring in a good way. The next person needs to know what to check, what command to run, and what rollback path exists if something goes wrong.
Numbered lists fit ordered procedures. Tables fit short status checks. Keep long explanations outside the emergency path.
## Deploy check
1. Confirm CI is green.
2. Build the app locally.
3. Publish the release notes.
| Check | Expected |
| --- | --- |
| Tests | Passing |
| Build | Complete |
| Rollback | Previous release tag |Deploy check
- Confirm CI is green.
- Build the app locally.
- Publish the release notes.
| Check | Expected |
|---|---|
| Tests | Passing |
| Build | Complete |
| Rollback | Previous release tag |
NoteRunbooks favor clarity over clever formatting.
Keep release notes close to real changes
Release notes are easier to write when they are updated near the work, not reconstructed at the end. Use short bullets and name the behavior users will notice.
A changelog does not need every internal detail. It should tell users what changed, what improved, and what remains preview work.
## Added
- Copy Markdown and rendered HTML from the editor toolbar.
- Open documentation examples directly in the web editor.
## Fixed
- Kept basics content focused on beginner Markdown patterns.Added
- Copy Markdown and rendered HTML from the editor toolbar.
- Open documentation examples directly in the web editor.
Fixed
- Kept basics content focused on beginner Markdown patterns.
NoteSpecific release notes help users decide whether to try the update.
Why local history matters
Developers already understand version control, but not every draft belongs in Git immediately. Local history snapshots help recover accidental edits before the document is committed or shared.
Basic local recovery stays in the free preview because draft safety belongs in the editor.