How to Use the Command 'mdp' (with examples)

The mdp command-line tool allows users to create presentations from Markdown files directly within a terminal. This utility transforms plain text markdown into structured slide presentations, making it an exceptionally handy tool for developers and other users who love working within a terminal environment. With mdp, you can prepare visually appealing presentations without relying on GUI-based presentation software. Whether you’re aiming to deliver a presentation in a setting that demands minimal use of system resources or you simply prefer working within the terminal, mdp is a valuable tool in your command line arsenal.

Use case 1: Launch a presentation in the terminal from a Markdown file

Code:

mdp presentation.md

Motivation:

This command is at the heart of using mdp, enabling users to quickly launch their Markdown-based presentations directly in the terminal. The simplicity of this command is its major strength; it allows users who are already familiar with Markdown to seamlessly transition from writing to presenting without any added complexity. This is particularly useful in environments where graphical user interfaces (GUIs) may not be available or practical, ensuring that presentations can still go on unimpeded.

Explanation:

• mdp: Calls the mdp command to initiate the application for rendering Markdown files into presentations.
• presentation.md: This is the Markdown file that contains the content of your presentation. The file should be structured with appropriate Markdown syntax to delineate slides and content within each slide.

Example Output:

Upon running the command, the terminal screen will change to show the first slide of the presentation, as dictated by the Markdown file’s content. The presentation navigates between slides using keyboard inputs, maintaining simplicity and seamless user interaction.

Use case 2: Disable fading transitions

Code:

mdp --nofade presentation.md

Motivation:

Transitions can often add a visual appeal to presentations, but there are instances where they might be unnecessary or distracting. In environments where you need to minimize transition effects due to potential performance issues, or simply to maintain a minimalistic look, the --nofade option becomes incredibly useful. Disabling the fade transitions can help keep the presentation focused solely on the content, providing a more straightforward presentation experience.

Explanation:

• --nofade: This argument disables the default fading transition between slides that may be present in mdp. By using this option, slides will switch instantly without the fading effect.
• presentation.md: As before, this is the Markdown file used for the presentation content.

Example Output:

The presentation will launch in the terminal without any fade effect when transitioning between slides. This makes for a swift and clean presentation flow, suitable for contexts where speed is prioritized over visual transitions.

Use case 3: Invert font colors to use in terminals with light background

Code:

mdp --invert presentation.md

Motivation:

The design of mdp is typically optimized for Dark Mode terminals, where background colors are dark and text colors are light. However, when presenting in a terminal where the background is light, the default settings can result in poor readability. Thus, the --invert option is crucial as it reverses the color scheme, optimizing for visibility and ensuring the audience can read the content clearly without strain, regardless of the terminal’s background color.

Explanation:

• --invert: Inverts the terminal color scheme, meaning the text will appear darker against a light background to enhance readability.
• presentation.md: The Markdown file with the presentation content that needs display adjustments due to the terminal’s color settings.

Example Output:

The terminal will display slides with the text color inverted, ensuring that the text remains readable against a light background. This can be essential for presentations in brightly lit environments or on screens set with light themes.

Use case 4: Disable transparency in transparent terminals

Code:

mdp --notrans presentation.md

Motivation:

Many terminal emulators support transparency as part of their visual features, which can make the background partially see-through. Although this can be aesthetically pleasing, it might not suit all presentation contexts, especially when transparency affects the text’s readability due to busy desktop backgrounds. When clarity is key, the --notrans option enables you to turn off these transparency features and present with full opacity, ensuring the focus remains on the content without any distractions from background elements.

Explanation:

• --notrans: Disables any terminal transparency settings, presenting the slides with solid, non-transparent backgrounds.
• presentation.md: The Markdown file you wish to render clearly, without the interference of a transparent background.

Example Output:

When this command is executed, the presentation appears with a fully opaque background, removing any superimposed windows or distractions that might otherwise detract from the visual focus of the slides.

Conclusion

The mdp command provides a unique and powerful way to present Markdown files directly within a terminal. Its versatility in handling different presentation needs, from adjusting color schemes to managing visual effects, makes it ideal for diverse presentation environments. Users can create clean, efficient, and resource-friendly presentations by mastering these options, thus leveraging the full potential of Markdown in a terminal setting.