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visual-studio-codeformatmarkdownprettier

Prettier keeps replacing asterisk characters with underscores


I'm trying to write some markdown text in Visual Studio Code and whenever I write this:

*some text*

It's being replaced by this as soon as I save the file:

_some text_

I narrowed it down to be caused by the Prettier extension. I tried looking for a setting that might control this but didn't find any - well none that was obvious to relate to the issue.

I'd really like to keep Prettier enabled for markdown files as it also keeps tables nice and tidy.

Is there a way around this one issue?

UPDATE:

I am aware that both asterisk and underscore works for italic emphasis when the file is shown through a markdown viewer, but when reading the file as pure text, the asterisk feels more natural to me for emphasis and I'd much prefer keep using it if possible.


Solution

  • I also feel the same way, but from what I can tell Prettier simply does not have that option (https://prettier.io/docs/en/options.html)

    Prettier is not a kitchen-sink code formatter that attempts to print your code in any way you wish. It is opinionated.

    https://prettier.io/docs/en/option-philosophy.html

    Given that philosophy, I doubt this will ever change. As for me, I think I'm going to try to just get over it.

    I think the only way to avoid this would be to use something different, for example:

    https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=DavidAnson.vscode-markdownlint