MDX (Markdown + JSX) is a powerful format that combines the simplicity of Markdown with the flexibility of React components. This makes it perfect for creating rich, interactive technical documentation. In this post, we’ll explore how to use MDX effectively for technical content.

What is MDX?

MDX allows you to write JSX in your Markdown documents. This means you can:

• Use React components directly in your content
• Create interactive examples
• Embed dynamic content
• Build custom documentation components

Basic MDX Syntax

MDX supports all standard Markdown syntax plus JSX:

# My Technical Post

This is regular **Markdown** content.

<Component prop="value" />

You can also use inline JSX: <span style={{color: 'red'}}>Red text</span>

Creating Interactive Code Examples

One of the most powerful features of MDX is the ability to create interactive code examples:

<CodeExample
  code={`function greet(name) {
  return \`Hello, \${name}!\`;
}`}
  language="javascript"
  output="Hello, World!"
/>

Embedding Components

You can embed custom components to enhance your documentation:

<Alert type="warning">
  **Important**: This feature is still in beta. Use with caution.
</Alert>

<CodeBlock
  language="typescript"
  title="API Response Type"
  code={`interface User {
  id: number;
  name: string;
  email: string;
  createdAt: Date;
}`}
/>

Interactive Documentation

MDX enables you to create truly interactive documentation:

<InteractiveDemo>
  <Counter initialValue={0} />
</InteractiveDemo>

Best Practices for Technical MDX

1. Component Organization

Keep your components organized and reusable:

// components/CodeExample.jsx
export function CodeExample({ code, language, output }) {
  return (
    <div className="code-example">
      <pre><code className={language}>{code}</code></pre>
      {output && (
        <div className="output">
          <strong>Output:</strong> {output}
        </div>
      )}
    </div>
  );
}

2. Consistent Styling

Use consistent styling for your components:

.code-example {
  border: 1px solid #e1e5e9;
  border-radius: 6px;
  margin: 1rem 0;
}

.code-example pre {
  margin: 0;
  padding: 1rem;
  background: #f6f8fa;
}

.output {
  padding: 1rem;
  background: #f1f8ff;
  border-top: 1px solid #e1e5e9;
}

3. Accessibility

Ensure your components are accessible:

<CodeExample
  code={code}
  language="javascript"
  aria-label="JavaScript code example"
  role="region"
/>

Advanced MDX Features

Dynamic Imports

You can dynamically import components based on conditions:

import { useState } from 'react';

function DynamicComponent() {
  const [component, setComponent] = useState(null);
  
  const loadComponent = async () => {
    const { default: DynamicComponent } = await import('./DynamicComponent');
    setComponent(<DynamicComponent />);
  };
  
  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={loadComponent}>Load Component</button>
      {component}
    </div>
  );
}

Custom Hooks in MDX

You can use React hooks in your MDX content:

import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';

function LiveCounter() {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
  
  useEffect(() => {
    const timer = setInterval(() => {
      setCount(c => c + 1);
    }, 1000);
    
    return () => clearInterval(timer);
  }, []);
  
  return <div>Count: {count}</div>;
}

Integration with Documentation Tools

Storybook Integration

MDX works great with Storybook for component documentation:

import { Meta, Story, Canvas, ArgsTable } from '@storybook/addon-docs';
import { Button } from './Button';

<Meta title="Components/Button" component={Button} />

<Canvas>
  <Story name="Primary">
    <Button variant="primary">Click me</Button>
  </Story>
</Canvas>

<ArgsTable of={Button} />

Next.js Integration

For Next.js projects, you can use @next/mdx:

// next.config.js
const withMDX = require('@next/mdx')({
  extension: /\.mdx?$/,
  options: {
    remarkPlugins: [],
    rehypePlugins: [],
  },
});

module.exports = withMDX({
  pageExtensions: ['js', 'jsx', 'ts', 'tsx', 'md', 'mdx'],
});

Performance Considerations

Lazy Loading

Lazy load heavy components:

import { lazy, Suspense } from 'react';

const HeavyComponent = lazy(() => import('./HeavyComponent'));

function MyMDXContent() {
  return (
    <Suspense fallback={<div>Loading...</div>}>
      <HeavyComponent />
    </Suspense>
  );
}

Bundle Optimization

Use dynamic imports to reduce bundle size:

const CodeEditor = dynamic(() => import('./CodeEditor'), {
  ssr: false,
  loading: () => <div>Loading editor...</div>
});

SEO and Metadata

MDX supports frontmatter for SEO:

---
title: 'Advanced React Patterns'
description: 'Learn advanced React patterns and best practices'
keywords: ['react', 'patterns', 'best practices']
author: 'Appropri8 Team'
date: '2024-02-01'
---

# Advanced React Patterns

Your content here...

Conclusion

MDX is a powerful tool for creating rich, interactive technical documentation. By combining the simplicity of Markdown with the flexibility of React components, you can create engaging content that goes beyond static text.

Key Benefits:

• Interactive examples and demos
• Reusable components
• Better developer experience
• Rich, engaging content
• SEO-friendly

Next Steps:

• Start with simple components
• Build a component library
• Integrate with your build system
• Optimize for performance

---

How are you using MDX in your technical documentation? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!