Scavenger's answer is a good idea, but # might be something that is valid in the code like a pre-processor command in C++ that can be part of the actual code sample.

I suggest to have something that is specified before the code block in a special way. The code block is indented with 4 spaces, so the language specifier could be indented 3 spaces (and only mean something when appearing immediately before a code block). This follows the simplicity in the markup rules that already exists.


  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VB.NET
  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dim myVariable As String 'Here is the first code line
  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;myVariable = "Hello world"


Syntax highlighting language hints
Suppose you're some sort of crazy nerd fellow and you live in an area that's absolutely covered in fiber optics and network facilities. What kind of cost / infrastructure would be needed to hook in somewhere and get you're internet connection directly from a local datacenter?
