Code Hike in 100 Seconds

Source: Dev.to

Overview

Code Hike is a toolkit for transforming documentation into interactive, cinematic experiences. It enhances plain README files with motion, focus, and interactivity.

Origin

Created in 2021 by Rodrigo Pombo, Code Hike was designed to bridge the gap between static Markdown and dynamic storytelling.

Problem it solves

It addresses “wall‑of‑text” fatigue that occurs when complex code explanations are presented as large blocks of text. By treating code as a first‑class citizen, Code Hike parses the abstract syntax tree (AST) to add focus, motion, and interactivity, enabling a scrollytelling experience.

Getting Started

1. Install the package in a React‑based framework such as Next.js or Remix.

   npm install @code-hike/react

2. Configure it as a plugin.

3. Use it inside MDX files. Write standard markdown code fences and enhance them with magic comments.

Example

// Example JavaScript function
function greet(name) {
  // ! focus 2-3
  console.log(`Hello, ${name}!`);
  // ! callout console.log
}

When rendered, Code Hike will spotlight the specified lines and dim the rest. The // ! callout comment attaches a tooltip to the variable.

Features

• Compiles markdown into customizable React components.
• Supports custom styling to match your design system.
• Provides line numbers, copy buttons, tab switching, and terminal simulations.
• Includes a diff feature to animate changes between file versions.

Build & Deploy

After adding Code Hike to your project, compile the site:

npm run build

The resulting site includes interactive documentation that can improve engagement metrics.