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The Function Concept

Daniel PortoAbout 1 min

The Function Concept

Markup signals (#, -, `) shape the structure of a slide. Functions
handle the pieces that need more than a single character: a link with a label, an
image with a caption and an alignment, a formula.

The shape

Every function is an identifier followed by parameters in square
brackets:

identifier[parameter1, parameter2]

The identifier names what you want; the parameters fill in the details.
Parameters are comma-separated, and a parameter can be key=value when order
alone would be ambiguous.

The most common functions have single-character identifiers, so they stay quick
to type:

SymbolWhat it insertsStatus
&[ ]An external link✅ Ready
:[ ]An internal link to a labelled slide✅ Ready
![ ]An image✅ Ready
+[ ]A LaTeX formula✅ Ready
^[ ]Superscript✅ Ready
_[ ]Subscript✅ Ready
|[ ]A table (or use the Markdown pipe syntax)✅ Ready

Modifiers

Many functions accept a modifier — a short option in angle brackets, at the
start of the parameters:

![<c> photo.jpg, A centred photo]

Every modifier has a name=value synonym, so <c> and align=center mean the
same thing. Use the short form while drafting and the long one where clarity
matters; combine several inside one <>, comma-separated:

![<r, h=80> logo.png]
![logo.png]{align=right, height=80}

This is the "convention over configuration" half of Tachyonn's philosophy: you
write only what differs from the default, and the shortcut and the full name are
always interchangeable.

Directives

A directive looks like a function with a word for a name and a leading
slash:

/layout[grid]
/notes[Remember to mention the 1961 result.]
/component[QrCode, url=https://example.org]

The difference is intent. A function inserts content; a directive gives an
instruction — which layout to use, what to tell the presenter, which component
to embed. Directives can sit on their own line or inline in a sentence.

Where to go next

Tachyonn | Made at in Brasília