mdPages (Static Site Generator from Markdown)

Phase 1 — Core Markdown to HTML Conversion

• Implement a parser that converts some basic Markdown syntax to HTML:
  • Headings (#, ##, ###)
  • Bold, italic, links, lists
  • Paragraphs and line breaks
• Support processing a single file or a folder of .md files
• Validate input paths and handle missing files gracefully

Functional result: given a markdown file or folder, the program generates corresponding HTML files in an output folder, preserving folder structure.

Phase 2 — CLI and Folder Processing

• Create a command-line interface for your tool:

  • Specify input folder and output folder
  • Option to overwrite existing HTML files or skip them

• Process multiple .md files recursively (in the case of nested folders)

• Maintain relative folder structure in output

Functional result: user can run the program on a folder of markdown files, and the folder structure + HTML files are correctly generated.

Phase 3 — Serve Site Locally

Add a simple HTTP server to serve generated HTML:

• Option to choose port in the CLI
• Serve HTML files with relative links correctly
• Refresh automatically if the server restarts
• Generate an index.html for folders, listing all contained pages

Functional result: user can run the generator and start a local server, then open a browser to view the generated site.

Phase 4 — Robustness & Minor Enhancements

• Include a CSS file, imported by all the generated HTML files, and add some styling.
• Handle common errors (missing files, invalid markdown) gracefully
• Support extra markdown features (inline code, blockquotes)
• Clear console messages/logging for processed files

Functional result: program reliably converts files, preserves folder structure, serves HTML locally, and handles errors cleanly.