The Earmarks of Hand-coded ePub
These files showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail that
machine-generated files lack.
To spot a superior hand-coded ePUB:
File structure
Look for a thoughtfully organized hierarchy that reflects the book's content,
rather than a generic, one-size-fits-all structure.
Metadata
Hand-coded ePUBs often contain rich, accurate metadata that enhances
discoverability and user experience. Machine-generated ones may have
bare-minimum or even incorrect metadata.
CSS styling
Expect elegant, efficient CSS in hand-coded files. Machine-generated CSS tends
to be bloated and generic, lacking finesse.
HTML markup
Hand-coded HTML is usually clean, semantic, and accessible. Machine-generated
markup can be excessively verbose or semantically poor.
Special features
Skilled developers often incorporate advanced features like custom fonts,
complex layouts, or interactive elements that machines struggle to implement
effectively.
Formatting consistency
While machines produce rigid consistency, hand-coding allows for nuanced
formatting that respects the content's needs.
Code comments
The presence of insightful comments indicates human involvement and can be
invaluable for future maintenance.
File naming
Descriptive, logical file names in hand-coded ePUBs contrast with the often
cryptic or overly generic names in machine-generated files.
Use of ePUB-specific features
Hand-coded ePUBs generally make better use of ePUB-specific attributes and
features, enhancing the reading experience.
Performance
Hand-coded ePUBs are often more optimized, resulting in faster loading times
and smoother performance on e-readers.
Accessibility
Skilled developers prioritize accessibility, whereas machine-generated files
may fall short in this crucial area.
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