John Gruber (born January 1, 1973) is an American independent technology blogger, podcaster, journalist, UI designer, and software engineer renowned for his in-depth coverage of Apple Inc. and related technologies. He founded the influential blog Daring Fireball in 2002, which serves as a prominent platform for his insightful commentary on software, hardware, and user interface design from an enthusiastic Apple ecosystem perspective. In 2004, he co-created the Markdown markup language with Aaron Swartz, a widely adopted system for web content creation. Gruber expanded his media presence by launching the podcast The Talk Show in 2010, where he discusses technology events and interviews notable figures. Based in Philadelphia, he maintains an independent operation supported by sponsorships and reader contributions. His work emphasizes clear writing, critical analysis, and thoughtful design principles, earning him respect in tech journalism circles. Prior to blogging, he worked in software development and design roles, contributing to his technical expertise. Gruber continues to actively blog and podcast, providing real-time reactions to tech developments as a key voice in Apple-focused media.