markdown-viewer

A tiny zero-dependency Node script that serves a directory of markdown files in the browser, renders them, and live-reloads when files change on disk.

Built for the workflow where you have Claude Code (or any tool) editing markdown in a terminal on one side of the screen and want a live-rendered preview on the other.

Features

• Single file, no npm install, no dependencies
• Sidebar lists .md files and subdirectories — click to navigate
• Slideout sidebar so the rendered content gets the full window
• Auto-refresh: the page re-renders as soon as the file changes on disk (via fs.watch + Server-Sent Events)
• Manual refresh button as a fallback

Requirements

• Node.js 18+ (uses built-ins only)

Usage

node server.js /path/to/your/markdown/dir

Then open http://localhost:3000.

Omit the path to serve the current directory. Override the port with PORT=4000 node server.js ….

License

MIT