How to Set Up Markserv for Live Markdown Rendering

Aug 8, 2021 | Programming

Markserv is a fantastic tool that allows you to serve markdown documents as HTML in real-time, enabling smooth and efficient documentation edits. Whether you’re creating tutorials, documentation, or simple notes, Markserv makes it easy to view changes instantly. This article will guide you through the installation and usage of Markserv with user-friendly instructions, along with troubleshooting tips to tackle common issues.

Features of Markserv

  • Markdown content rendered as HTML
  • Supports GitHub flavor CSS and Syntax Highlighting
  • Just in Time Templating: Markdown, HTML & LESS
  • LiveReload capability
  • Directory Indexes
  • MIME Type file support

Installation

To get started with Markserv, you’ll need to install it first. You can do this using either NPM or Yarn:

Using NPM

$ npm i -g markserv

Using Yarn

$ yarn global add markserv

Usage

Once installed, running Markserv is quite simple. Open your command line interface and use the following commands:

Open Closest README.md

$ readme

Open Specific File

$ markserv path/to/file.md

Open a Directory

$ markserv node_modules

Live Reload Feature

To enable real-time updates, you’ll need to install the LiveReload plugin for your preferred browser:

With the LiveReload plugin installed, you should see the page reload automatically whenever you save your markdown files!

Just in Time Templating

Markserv allows you to include nested content seamlessly. This functionality can be thought of as stacking layers of a cake—each layer is pulled in when needed, creating a rich and well-structured output. For example, if you have a markdown file that references another markdown file, during rendering, Markserv combines these layers into one deliciously complete HTML cake!

To explore this feature, you can follow this example:

$ git clone git@github.com:f1lt3r/markserv.git
$ cd markserv
$ markserv teststemplates/index.html

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues while using Markserv, here are some troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure that Markserv is installed globally and that you’re using the correct command syntax.
  • Check that the LiveReload plugin is enabled in your browser.
  • If you are unable to access the server, verify that you are using the correct port and that your network settings allow for external access.
  • Consult the CHANGELOG for updates and potential fixes for known bugs.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

By integrating the above strategies, you should be well on your way to successfully utilizing Markserv. If issues persist, you can always explore community support channels.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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