The phrase denotes the act of obtaining a digital version of a literary work, typically in Portable Document Format (PDF), at no cost and often through a link or file included with an electronic communication. An example would be finding a link accompanying an email that, when clicked, provides access to a free digital book in PDF form.
The appeal of readily accessible, cost-free literature has fueled the proliferation of this practice. The availability of books in this manner has enabled broader access to information and entertainment, particularly in regions where physical books are scarce or prohibitively expensive. Historically, this trend is rooted in the open-source movement and the desire to democratize access to knowledge.
