What is Markdown

MarkdownPad - The Markdown editor for Windows

Those, like you and me, that are interested in Outlines, sooner or later will hear and read about "Markdown". But what is it ? I would say that markdown is a set of special codes that you use when writing a text and these codes will transform your text in a beautifully formated output; many people prefer writing long texts using markdown in a clean and distraction-free enviroment than using a full featured wysiwyg editor. Applications that support markdown are available for all platforms and online. Some outlining software as Scrivener and Ulysses also support markdown.
Just a very quick example of Markdown sintax:
*italic* outputs to italic and **bold text** outputs to bold text.
A nice description of markdown is available at whatismarkdown.com.

What is "Outline" ?

As defined by Merriam-Webster:

• "a drawing or picture that shows only the shape of an object
• a style of drawing in which only the outer edges of an object are shown
• a line that is drawn around the edges of something

Examples of OUTLINE

• The pictures were drawn in outline and then filled in with color.
• The leaves etched into the vase have a gold outline.
• Organize your essay by writing an outline in which you state your main idea followed by your supporting points.
• a brief outline of American history
• Her speech was written in outline on note cards."

Outlines are for writers what storyboards are for filmmakers; an structured way to organize one's thoughts and an efficient tool for notetaking. But it's so flexible and easy to use that the possibilities and benefits from applying outlining techniques are unlimited.

This is an example of using outline for a trip planning, provided by Steve Litt in an article from 1999:

Business Trip

Consider planning for a business trip:

• Preparations
• Hotel
• Flight
• Car rental
• Things to Bring
• Clothes
• 2 suits
• 2 white and 2 color shirts
• 1 Pair slacks
• Etcetera
• Personal
• Wallet
• Credit cards
• Keys
• Computers
• AMD K2 450 Linux
• Pentium II 300 Windows
• 10/100 hub
• 4 10' Cat 5
• Etcetera

A list like the preceding guides the planning of the trip, and converts packing from a half day affair into an hour before leaving the house. It also reduces the likelihood of forgetting something.