---
name: the-system-gfm
description: Use when writing GFM tables, task lists, footnotes, links, or strikethrough.
---

# GFM

## Tables

Use a table only for a compact comparison or matrix.
Keep every cell to one line and escape a literal pipe as `\|`.
Use alignment markers only when alignment carries meaning.

```markdown
| Condition | Required result |
| --- | --- |
| Valid input | Accept |
| Invalid input | Reject |
```

## Task lists

```markdown
- [ ] The invalid input is rejected.
- [ ] The rejection explains the violated rule.
```

## Footnotes

Use a footnote only when source detail would interrupt the claim.
Keep it short and place its definition after the containing section.

```markdown
The format follows the published specification.[^gfm]

[^gfm]: [GitHub Flavored Markdown specification](https://github.github.com/gfm/)
```

## Links and strikethrough

Use descriptive links instead of bare autolinks.

Prefer ordinary prose or lists when these extensions add no structure.