Convert MD to RST

Why Convert Markdown to reStructuredText?

Converting Markdown to reStructuredText is essential when transitioning from general-purpose documentation to Python-specific or technically complex documentation systems. While Markdown excels at simplicity and speed, reStructuredText offers powerful features specifically designed for technical documentation, including extensible directives (for code blocks, admonitions, tables of contents), semantic roles (for cross-references, citations, inline code), and native integration with Sphinx—the de facto documentation generator for Python projects.

reStructuredText's design philosophy prioritizes explicitness and extensibility, making it ideal for large-scale documentation projects that require consistent structure, comprehensive indexing, and advanced formatting capabilities. The format is maintained by the Python community as part of the Docutils project and serves as the foundation for Sphinx, which powers documentation for major projects like Python itself, Django, Flask, NumPy, SciPy, and thousands of other libraries on ReadTheDocs.

The conversion is particularly valuable when migrating existing Markdown README files to Sphinx documentation, standardizing documentation across Python projects, or preparing content for ReadTheDocs publication. Many Python developers start with Markdown for its simplicity but eventually migrate to RST when their documentation needs outgrow Markdown's capabilities—especially when they need features like automatic API documentation from docstrings, inter-document cross-references, or advanced theming and search capabilities provided by Sphinx.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Python Documentation with Code Examples

Input Markdown file (api.md):

# API Reference

## Authentication

Use the `authenticate()` function:

```python
from mylib import authenticate
token = authenticate(user, password)
```

**Note:** Keep your credentials secure!

Output RST file (api.rst):

API Reference
=============

Authentication
--------------

Use the ``authenticate()`` function:

.. code-block:: python

   from mylib import authenticate
   token = authenticate(user, password)

.. note::
   Keep your credentials secure!

Example 2: Technical Documentation with Cross-References

Input Markdown file (guide.md):

# User Guide

## Installation

See [Configuration Guide](config.md) for setup.

The `Database` class handles connections.

### Quick Start

1. Install package: `pip install mylib`
2. Import module
3. Start using

Output RST file (guide.rst):

User Guide
==========

Installation
------------

See :doc:`config` for setup.

The :class:`Database` class handles connections.

Quick Start
~~~~~~~~~~~

#. Install package: ``pip install mylib``
#. Import module
#. Start using

Example 3: README with Badges and Links

Input Markdown file (README.md):

# MyProject

*Python library for data processing*

## Features

- **Fast** processing
- *Easy* to use
- Support for CSV, JSON

## Warning

> Beta software - API may change

Output RST file (README.rst):

MyProject
=========

*Python library for data processing*

Features
--------

- **Fast** processing
- *Easy* to use
- Support for CSV, JSON

.. warning::
   Beta software - API may change

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is RST format and why is it used for Python documentation?

A: RST (reStructuredText) is a powerful markup language created by the Python community as part of the Docutils project. It's the standard format for Python documentation because Sphinx (the documentation generator for Python projects) uses RST as its primary markup language. RST supports advanced features like directives (.. code-block::, .. note::), roles (:class:, :func:), automatic cross-referencing, and extensibility that make it ideal for technical documentation.

Q: How does RST syntax differ from Markdown?

A: RST uses different conventions: headers are underlined with symbols (===, ---) instead of prefixed with #; inline code uses double backticks (``code``) instead of single (`code`); links are formatted as `text <url>`_ instead of [text](url); and RST supports powerful directives (.. directive::) and roles (:role:`text`) that Markdown doesn't have.

Q: Will code blocks convert correctly from Markdown to RST?

A: Yes, Markdown fenced code blocks (```language) convert to RST code-block directives (.. code-block:: language). RST code blocks support additional features like line numbering (:linenos:), line highlighting (:emphasize-lines:), and caption (:caption:).

Q: Can I use the converted RST files with Sphinx?

A: Absolutely! The converted RST files are fully compatible with Sphinx. After conversion, you can include the RST files in your Sphinx project's source directory, add them to your table of contents (toctree directive), and build HTML, PDF, or EPUB documentation.

Q: How are Markdown tables converted to RST?

A: Markdown pipe tables (| col1 | col2 |) can be converted to RST grid tables or simple tables. RST supports two table formats: grid tables (using +---+---+ borders) for complex tables with merged cells, and simple tables (using === separators) for basic tables.

Q: Will Markdown blockquotes become RST admonitions?

A: Markdown blockquotes (> text) typically convert to RST blockquotes, but they won't automatically become semantic admonitions (.. note::, .. warning::, etc.). If your Markdown blockquotes are used for notes or warnings, you may want to manually convert them to RST admonition directives after conversion.

Q: What happens to Markdown links during conversion?

A: Markdown inline links ([text](url)) convert to RST inline links (`text <url>`_), and Markdown reference links convert to RST hyperlink targets. Internal links to other documents may need manual adjustment to use Sphinx's :doc: role for better cross-referencing.

Q: Can I automate Markdown to RST conversion in my documentation workflow?

A: Yes, you can integrate MD to RST conversion into your build process using Pandoc (pandoc -f markdown -t rst input.md -o output.rst) or Python libraries like pypandoc. Many projects use pre-commit hooks or continuous integration workflows to automatically convert Markdown files to RST before building Sphinx documentation.