What is GitHub README File and Markdown?

Last Updated : 17 Mar, 2025

GitHub repositories often contain a special file called README.md, which serves as the first point of interaction for developers, users, and contributors. The README file provides an overview of the project, installation steps, usage guidelines, and other essential information. This file is written in Markdown, a lightweight markup language that allows formatting text in a simple and readable way.

What is a GitHub README File?

A README file is a markdown document that provides an introduction and documentation for a project hosted on GitHub. It is usually placed in the root directory of a repository and is automatically displayed on the repository’s main page.

Purpose of a README File

Provides an overview of the project
Describes installation and setup steps
Documents usage instructions
List contributors and guidelines for contributing
Contains licensing information
Enhances project visibility and usability

What is a markdown?

Markdown is a lightweight markup language used to format text for the web in a simple and readable way. Instead of relying on complex formatting tools, it uses plain text symbols to create headings, lists, links, code blocks, and other elements

This makes it an efficient choice for writing documentation, README files, blogs, and even online discussions. Since Markdown is widely supported across various platforms, including GitHub, Reddit, and Stack Overflow, it provides a convenient way to structure content while keeping it easy to edit and share.

Viewing the README file in the editor

First make a file with the name of .md extension in your project folder which is the extension for the markdown file
In the next step, press 'Ctrl+Shift+V' to preview the markdown document

Components of a markdown document

1. Headings

Headings organize content into sections, using # for different in sizes which is also called as levels to demonstrate a particular topic or content.

# Heading 1
## Heading 2
### Heading 3
#### Heading 4
##### Heading 5
###### Heading 6

2. Bold and Italic Text

You can emphasize text using asterisks or underscores.

**Bold Text**  
*Italic Text*  
***Bold and Italic***

The text between **abc** is always used to make the text bold.
The text between *abc* is always used to make the text italic.
The text between ***abc*** is always used to make the text bold and italic.

Screenshot-2025-03-04-111512 — Bold and Italic Text

3. Lists

Markdown supports both ordered and unordered lists.

Unordered List

The symbol ' - ' is used to add elements to the unordered list

- Item 1
- Item 2
  - Sub-item 2.1
  - Sub-item 2.2

Screenshot-2025-03-04-111715 — Unordered List

Ordered List

The ordered list can be written with 'session number.' before the value you want to enter in the list.

1. First item  
2. Second item  
   1. Sub-item 2.1  
   2. Sub-item 2.2

Screenshot-2025-03-04-111831 — Ordered List

4. Links

Links can be embedded using brackets and parentheses the format to put a link is [website name](URL to the website)

[Google](https://www.google.com)

5. Images

Images can be embedded using a similar format as links, with an exclamation mark , The format to put an image is ![Alt Text](https://example.com/image.jpg)

![GitHub Logo](https://github.githubassets.com/images/modules/logos_page/GitHub-Mark.png)

6. Code Blocks

Use backticks to format inline or block code `` is the symbol to be used to print the block codes.

Use `console.log('Hello World`) in JavaScript

Screenshot-2025-03-04-112403 — Code Blocks

7. Blockquotes

Blockquotes are used to highlight quoted text , the symbol used to put a sentence or length into blockquotes is '>' if in case you want to put the text in nested quotes then '>>' symbol is used

> This is a blockquote.
>> Nested blockquote.

Screenshot-2025-03-04-112548 — Blockquotes

8. Tables

Tables structure data in rows and columns so if any data that can be only stored in tabularized form then this format is used to store the data in the markdown document.

| Name  | Age | City      |
|-------|-----|----------|
| Pranjal | 25  | New York |
| pranav | 30  | London   |

9. Horizontal Line

In a markdown document if you want to separate sections then '---' this symbol is used.

section1
---
section2

Screenshot-2025-03-04-112716 — Horizontal Line

10. Task Lists

In a markdown document to check the progress or to track the progress of a task the task lists are used the format of task list is [ marker] Task name

- [x] Task 1  
- [ ] Task 2  
- [ ] Task 3

The above code shows that the task1 has been completed that's why a x is been written between the square brackets and if the square brackets are empty then it means that the task has not been completed.

Screenshot-2025-03-04-112807 — Task Lists

Key Elements of a README File

Project Title and Description: Clearly state the name of the project and give a brief description of what it does.
Installation Instructions: Provide step-by-step guidance on how to install and set up the project.
Usage Instructions: Explain how to use the project, including code examples if necessary.
Contributing Guidelines: Detail how others can contribute to the project, including coding standards and submission guidelines.
License Information: Specify the licensing terms under which the project is distributed.
Contact Information: Offer ways for users to contact the project maintainers.

How to Create a README File in GitHub

Navigate to your GitHub repository.
Click on Add a README if there isn't one already.
Edit the README.md file using Markdown syntax.
Click Commit changes to save.

Conclusion

A README file is an essential part of any GitHub project, serving as a guide for users and contributors. Using Markdown, you can structure and format the README effectively, making it easier to understand and navigate. A well-written README improves collaboration and ensures that others can quickly grasp the purpose and functionality of the project.