# PSA: how to quote code with backticks
**URL:** https://discourse.julialang.org/t/psa-how-to-quote-code-with-backticks/7530
**Category:** Meta Discussion
**Tags:** psa
**Created:** [December 5, 2017, 1:33pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/psa-how-to-quote-code-with-backticks/7530 "2017-12-05T13:33:20Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Tamas\_Papp](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/Tamas_Papp)
#### Post date: [December 5, 2017, 1:33pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/psa-how-to-quote-code-with-backticks/7530/1 "2017-12-05T13:33:20Z")
This is a short post on how to use backticks (``` and `````) to _quote_ code, so it is easy to read. This post can be linked to new users who are confused by this feature.
# Why
By quoting your code, you get a monospaced font (which preserves indentation) and syntax highlighting. This makes it easier to read your code and help you.
Displayed code looks like this:
```julia
function displayed_code(x::Int, y::Int)
if x < y
println("x is smaller")
else
println("or not")
end
end
```
Inline code `looks_like_this(c::Float64)`.
# How
Discourse uses [Markdown](http://commonmark.org/). The markdown specification uses _triple backticks_ ````` to _open_ and _close_ displayed code blocks. A language can optionally be specified immediately after the opening `````. On this forum, the default language is `julia`.
````markdown
```julia
function displayed_code(x::Int, y::Int)
if x < y
println("x is smaller")
else
println("or not")
end
end
```
````
The inline syntax uses _single backticks_: ``looks_like_this(c::Float64)`` (You can’t specify a language with inline code, so there is no syntax highlighting.)
# Where
The [backtick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backtick) character (```) is located in the top left of the U.S. keyboard, above the Tab key.
It looks similar to but is different from the [apostrophe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostrophe) character (`'`), sometimes also called a single quote.
On mobile, you will typically need to hold down the apostrophe key until a pop-up of similar characters appear for selection. Backtick is usually the option farthest to the left.
# When
Always wrap code in backticks so it renders correctly and is distinguished from commentary. When writing your post, the _preview window_ on the right side will show the formatted text. Check that the preview is formatted as you intended before posting.
**That’s it! Please take advantage of this feature to make it easier to help you.**
* * *
## Advanced
### Quotes Contianing Backticks
If you want to quote backticks themselves, enclose them in _more_ backticks: ``` ` ``` renders as ```, and
`````markdown
````julia
"""
This is how you use this function:
```julia
1+1
```
"""
````
`````
produces
````julia
"""
This is how you use this function:
```julia
1+1
```
"""
````
which is useful when quoting code with docstrings that have ````` in them.
---
### Author:  [@mbauman](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/mbauman)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2023, 6:01pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/psa-how-to-quote-code-with-backticks/7530/2 "2023-10-16T18:01:37Z")
7 posts were split to a new topic: [Iterative feedback and discussion on the blockquote PSA](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/iterative-feedback-and-discussion-on-the-blockquote-psa/105031)
---
### Author:  [@mbauman](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/mbauman)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2023, 6:01pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/psa-how-to-quote-code-with-backticks/7530/3 "2023-10-16T18:01:59Z")