When comparing MDwiki vs StackEdit, the Slant community recommends StackEdit for most people. In the question“What is the best cross-platform note-taking app?” StackEdit is ranked 28th while MDwiki is ranked 70th. The most important reason people chose StackEdit is:
StackEdit works within your browser. You need internet access to connect to the website, but once it's loaded, the site does not require an internet connection - you will be able to edit and save files locally. Additionally, you can use [Fluid](http://fluidapp.com) to turn it into a native desktop application.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Possibly more secure on web server
Due to the lack of a built-in editor MDwiki may be less susceptible to spam and defacement compared to other options when served from a web server.
Pro Doesn't require a web server
MDwiki is a self-contained JavaScript app that is very fast and can run in some web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox.
Pro Works online and offline
StackEdit works within your browser. You need internet access to connect to the website, but once it's loaded, the site does not require an internet connection - you will be able to edit and save files locally. Additionally, you can use Fluid to turn it into a native desktop application.
Pro Supports various Markdown flavors
Supports standard Markdown and Markdown Extra.
Pro Simple workflow
It is very easy to toggle between the preview and the editing windows. The black makes it a very focused writing environment. Of course it's possible to change that if needed.
Pro Great when in full-screen
Pro No need to install additional software
StackEdit works directly from the browser, there's no need to install additional software as long as you have a web browser installed on your computer.
Pro Real-time preview
The preview shows in a collapsible pane on the right hand side.
Pro Instant publishing
StackEdit allows pushing a document directly to a list of publishing or file storage platforms or any SSH server.
Pro Multiple export options
Can export to .txt, .html and .pdf.
Pro Syncs via Dropbox and Drive
Files can be synchronized through Dropbox and Drive.
Cons
Con External program must be used for editing
A separate program must be used to make changes to documents as MDwiki lacks a built-in editor.
Con Requires additional permissions in Google Chrome
Supposedly, you can get it to work in Google Chrome by modifying JavaScript permissions, but these same changes may decrease security.
Con Saves files in browser's local storage
Local storage is limited and if the browser crashes the text can be lost.
Con Cannot be accessed while being offline
Even though the editor itself works offline, you need internet access to open the website and the editor.
Con Lacks a good integrated spell checker
Uses the built-in browser spell checker which may not be as good as spell checkers other editors have. Depending on the browser, of course.
Con Publishing to GitHub requires giving write access to repos
In order to publish documents to GitHub, StackEdit requires writing access to your repos, something which many people may not be comfortable with.