MS (Manuscript) is a troff-based document format used primarily in Unix and Unix-like systems for typesetting and document preparation. It uses plain text with embedded formatting commands to define document structure, layout, and styling, enabling precise text rendering and supporting complex document creation with macro packages like ms (manuscript macros).
Lightweight, highly portable, supports complex typesetting, platform-independent, excellent for technical documentation, minimal file size, human-readable source, supports advanced formatting through macro packages.
Steep learning curve, requires specialized knowledge of troff commands, limited visual editing capabilities, less intuitive compared to modern word processors, minimal native support in contemporary software.
Commonly used for technical documentation, academic papers, manual pages, system documentation, and scientific manuscripts. Prevalent in Unix/Linux environments for generating high-quality printed documents and technical reports. Widely employed in academic and research settings for creating structured, professionally formatted documents.