> In markup, everything is literal, unless you put a `#` sigil
Unless it's a "=", then it begins a new section. And unless it's a "-" or a "+" or a "/", then it's a list item. And unless it's a "<", then it defines a label, or a "@", then it's a reference to one. And unless it's a "_" or "*" or "`", then it changes font or style.
Right. Markup mode supports markup features - including all of that stuff for headings, lists, bold, italics and so on. It’s clearly inspired by markdown and similar languages. Personally I prefer * to \em{xxx} since it’s easier to type and it makes the text easier to read while I’m editing. (Or maybe just more familiar since give written so much markdown at this point).
Unless it's a "=", then it begins a new section. And unless it's a "-" or a "+" or a "/", then it's a list item. And unless it's a "<", then it defines a label, or a "@", then it's a reference to one. And unless it's a "_" or "*" or "`", then it changes font or style.