Electronic Publication
Published as: epub
ePub is an open eBook standard from the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). Specifically ePub is the XML format for reflowable digital books and publications. One of the advantages of the ePub format is its ability to work with familiar technologies such as XHTML, XML and CSS. This means it works well with most types of software. ePub is delivered as one zip file. The zip file creates an archive of the organizational and content files for the book. Platforms already utilizing XML formats can easily be transferred into ePub.
The files for an eBook made from ePub are reflowable and easy to read on small devices. Reflowable content means that the text display can be optimized for the particular display device used by the reader of the ePub-formatted book. The latest versions of the ePub format now also supports fixed-layout content. Although currently popular with major publishers and author entrepreneurs for eBook production, it was originally designed for documentation and user’s manuals.
As an open standard, ePub has great compatibility across a wide range of eReaders including on the Apple iPad, Barnes & Noble Nook, Sony Reader, and the Kobo eReader models. The widely supported ePub format has become the de facto universal standard within the sector. Like MP3’s for music, ePub files can also have DRM (digital rights management) included by publishers who want to restrict the copying of such files.
Source Documentation: Wikipedia