reStructuredText VS mdbook

• Readability
  reStructuredText offers a clean, readable syntax that resembles plain text, making it easy for humans to read and write without requiring special software.
• Extensibility
  It permits extensions and custom directives, allowing users to create new functionalities and adaptations specific to their needs.
• Integration
  It is the default markup language for Python documentation and is naturally supported by Sphinx, which makes it suitable for generating detailed and attractive documentation.
• Semantic Richness
  reStructuredText supports comprehensive semantic markup structures, enabling detailed annotations and proper structuring of documents.

Possible disadvantages

• Complexity
  Learning all of the features of reStructuredText can be complex for beginners due to its wide range of functionalities and strict syntax rules.
• Limited Adoption
  Compared to Markdown, reStructuredText has a smaller user base and community support, which can limit resources and examples available for new users.
• Tool Support
  While it is well-supported in Python environments, outside this ecosystem, there are fewer tools and editors that provide full support and previews for reStructuredText.
• Less Forgiving
  The syntax is more rigid and less forgiving of errors compared to some alternatives like Markdown, which means small mistakes can lead to rendering issues.

• Easy to Use
  mdBook is designed to be user-friendly, allowing users to create and manage books using Markdown with minimal setup.
• Customization
  It offers a range of customization options, including themes and configuration options, enabling users to tailor it to their preferences.
• Lightweight and Fast
  As a Rust-based tool, mdBook is lightweight and fast in performance, making it suitable for handling large projects with ease.
• Open Source
  Being open-source, mdBook encourages contributions and allows users to adapt the tool for their specific needs.
• Integration with Continuous Integration (CI) Systems
  The platform allows for seamless integration with CI systems, facilitating automated builds and deployments.

Possible disadvantages

• Limited Advanced Features
  While great for straightforward documentation, mdBook may lack more advanced features needed for highly complex or unique publishing needs.
• Learning Curve for Customization
  Although customization is a pro, the initial learning curve to truly customize the tool to its full potential can be steep for some users.
• Dependent on Markdown
  Its reliance on Markdown can be a limitation if users require advanced styling or scripting capabilities not inherently supported by Markdown.
• Rust Dependency
  Users need to have Rust installed to use mdBook, which might be cumbersome for users unfamiliar with Rust or not utilizing it for other projects.

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Tracking mdbook since Mar 2021.