Not Applying Code Style to Linked Reference Text
Not Applying Code Style to Linked Reference Text records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal grammar rule.
When a program element is linked to reference documentation, do not also apply code formatting to the link text because code styling can obscure that it is a link.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This is Microsoft Learn contributor guidance for linked program-element references; subsequent unlinked mentions can still use code style where appropriate.
Further guidance
Content
When a program element is linked to reference documentation, do not also apply code formatting to the link text because code styling can obscure that it is a link.
Purpose
Keep technical documentation readable, reusable, and unambiguous for readers while following current Microsoft Learn contributor conventions.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- How to include code in docs — Microsoft Learn Contributor Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft Learn contributor guidance on including code in documentation, including link/code styling, code-block quality checks, screenshots, validation, highlighting, scrollability, bad-code labeling, and in-repository snippet references.