cross-link

A cross-link (also cross-ref) is a Markdown link whose target is another place in the docs set. It is usually a same-document [label](#heading-slug) fragment or a path to another shard that compile may rewrite.

Cross-links are why refs exist. After assemble, the visible heading text and level can change. The heading slug that works in a shard may then differ from the slug in the compiled file. Merlon Docs rewrites these targets and validates the links in each compiled guide. See Built-in link validation.