# Introduction

Welcome to the `prose` documentation. Prose is an open source and free **Reading System SDK** to display epub and general archives (zip, cbz, cbr, etc) on the browser.

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It is similar to what powers apps like Kindle, Kobo and other reading app alike. Unlike proprietary engines, this one is **free and made for the community**. It is designed to allow plugins and extends functionalities easily.

{% hint style="success" %}
In a nutshell, a reading system SDK will let you design your own reader the way you want while not having to deal with the complicated parts such as rendering, pagination, navigation, annotations, etc.
{% endhint %}

This engine is web based. As long as you can render html, js and css you are good to go. Visit our [react-native](https://doc.prose-reader.com/react-native "mention")section to see how it can be used in mobile apps.