Build a Streaming Markdown Code Fence Parser
Implement a streaming Markdown parser that recognizes inline code spans marked with backticks ( ) and fenced code blocks marked with triple backticks ( ). The parser receives chunks of text incrementally, meaning delimiters (like backticks) may be split across chunk boundaries. The parser should emit tokens that distinguish between normal text, inline code content, and fenced code content.
Constraints & Assumptions:
- Only backtick inline code and triple-backtick fences are required.
- Input arrives in arbitrary chunk sizes.
- A delimiter can cross a chunk boundary.
- Nested Markdown constructs are out of scope unless clarified.
Clarifying Questions to Ask:
- Should unterminated code spans be emitted as text or buffered until end of stream?
- Do fenced code blocks support an info string after the opening fence?
- Should escaped backticks be handled?
- Is the output expected to be event-based, a token array, or rendered HTML?
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Core dilemma
Managing state across arbitrary, potentially fragmented input chunks to correctly identify and delimit distinct Markdown constructs (normal text, inline code, fenced code) without unbounded buffering or incorrect parsing.
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Interview prep
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Build a Streaming Markdown Code Fence Parser
Implement a streaming Markdown parser that recognizes inline code spans marked with backticks ( ) and fenced code blocks marked with triple backticks ( ). The parser receives chunks of text incrementally, meaning delimiters (like backticks) may be split across chunk boundaries. The parser should emit tokens that distinguish between normal text, inline code content, and fenced code content.
Constraints & Assumptions:
- Only backtick inline code and triple-backtick fences are required.
- Input arrives in arbitrary chunk sizes.
- A delimiter can cross a chunk boundary.
- Nested Markdown constructs are out of scope unless clarified.
Clarifying Questions to Ask:
- Should unterminated code spans be emitted as text or buffered until end of stream?
- Do fenced code blocks support an info string after the opening fence?
- Should escaped backticks be handled?
- Is the output expected to be event-based, a token array, or rendered HTML?