parsedown/README.md

## Parsedown

Better Markdown Parser in PHP

[[ demo ]](http://parsedown.org/demo)

### Features

* [Fast](http://parsedown.org/speed)
* [Consistent](http://parsedown.org/consistency)
* [GitHub flavored](https://help.github.com/articles/github-flavored-markdown)
* [Tested](http://parsedown.org/tests/) in PHP 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 and [hhvm](http://www.hhvm.com/)
* Extensible
* [Markdown Extra extension](https://github.com/erusev/parsedown-extra) <sup>new</sup>
* [JavaScript port](https://github.com/hkdobrev/parsedown.js) under development <sup>new</sup>

### Installation

Include `Parsedown.php` or install [the composer package](https://packagist.org/packages/erusev/parsedown).

### Example

``` php
$Parsedown = new Parsedown();

echo $Parsedown->text('Hello _Parsedown_!'); # prints: <p>Hello <em>Parsedown</em>!</p>
```

More examples in [the wiki](https://github.com/erusev/parsedown/wiki/Usage) and in [this video tutorial](http://youtu.be/wYZBY8DEikI).

### Questions

**How does Parsedown work?**<br/>
Parsedown tries to read Markdown like a human. First, it looks at the lines. It’s interested in how the lines start. This helps it recognise blocks. It knows, for example, that if a line start with a `-` then it perhaps belong to a list. Once it recognises the blocks, it continues to the content. As it reads, it watches out for special characters. This helps it recognise inline elements (or inlines).

**Why doesn’t Parsedown use namespaces?**<br/>
Using namespaces would mean dropping support for PHP 5.2. We believe that since Parsedown is a single class with an uncommon name, making this trade wouldn't be worth it.

**Is Parsedown compliant with CommonMark?**<br/>
We are [working on it](https://github.com/erusev/parsedown/tree/commonmark).

**Who uses Parsedown?**<br/>
[phpDocumentor](http://www.phpdoc.org/), [October CMS](http://octobercms.com/), [Bolt CMS](http://bolt.cm/), [Kirby CMS](http://getkirby.com/),  [RaspberryPi.org](http://www.raspberrypi.org/) and [more](https://www.versioneye.com/php/erusev:parsedown/references).

**How can I help?**<br/>
Use the project, tell friends about it and if you feel generous, [donate some money](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=528P3NZQMP8N2).