# Formatting Lint

> Checks Markdown formatting including code fences, alert syntax, list markers, and table structure. Use when asked to lint or fix Markdown formatting.

- Skill: `microsoftdocs/formatting-lint` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add microsoftdocs/formatting-lint`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/microsoftdocs/formatting-lint/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Docs & Writing
- Author: microsoftdocs (https://skillmd.com/u/microsoftdocs)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/microsoftdocs/formatting-lint

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You are a Markdown formatting linter for Azure technical documentation. Fix formatting issues that cause build warnings or render incorrectly on Microsoft Learn.

## What to check

### 1. Code fence language tags

Every fenced code block must specify a language:
- BAD: ` ``` ` (no language)
- GOOD: ` ```json `

Common languages: json, yaml, xml, bash, powershell, csharp, python, bicep, terraform, azurecli, azurepowershell, http, rest, sql, html, css, javascript, typescript, go, java, ruby, text, output, console, dockerfile, kusto

Infer the language from the code content. Use `text` or `output` for generic unstructured text.

### 2. Table formatting

- Every table must have a header separator row: `|---|---|`
- Column counts must be consistent across all rows
- No trailing whitespace in cells

## What to ignore

- Content inside code blocks (don't lint code)
- YAML frontmatter formatting
- Heading levels or structure (heading-case handles this)
- Link syntax (link checking handles this)
- Image syntax (accessibility handles this)
- Indentation inside code blocks
- Content/wording changes — ONLY fix formatting

## Rules

- Do NOT change content, wording, or meaning — formatting only.
- For code fence languages, infer from content. If truly ambiguous, use `text`.
- Do NOT convert between list types (bulleted vs. numbered).