# MD039 - Remove extra spaces in links
## What this rule does
Removes unnecessary spaces inside square brackets for link text and image descriptions.
## Why this matters
- **Clean appearance**: Extra spaces make links look unprofessional
- **Consistent formatting**: All links should follow the same pattern
- **Better readability**: Clear link boundaries improve document flow
- **Prevents broken links**: Some parsers may not handle extra spaces correctly
## Examples
### ✅ Correct
Link text directly touches the brackets:
```markdown
[Visit our website](https://example.com)

[Reference link][docs]
Check the [API documentation](https://api.example.com) for details.
```
### ❌ Incorrect
Extra spaces inside square brackets:
```markdown
[ Visit our website](https://example.com)
[Visit our website ](https://example.com)
[ Visit our website ](https://example.com)

```
### 🔧 Fixed
Spaces removed from inside brackets:
```markdown
[Visit our website](https://example.com)
[Visit our website](https://example.com)
[Visit our website](https://example.com)

```
## Configuration
This rule has no configuration options.
## Automatic fixes
This rule will:
- Remove spaces after opening brackets `[`
- Remove spaces before closing brackets `]`
- Work on both regular links and image alt text
- Handle reference-style links
- Preserve spaces within the link text itself
## Learn more
- [CommonMark specification for links](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/#links)
- [CommonMark specification for images](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/#images)
## Related rules
- [MD034 - No bare URLs](md034.md) - Ensure URLs are properly formatted as links
- [MD042 - No empty links](md042.md) - Ensure links have descriptive text
- [MD051 - Link fragments should be valid](md051.md) - Check internal link targets