reStructuredText (RST, ReST, or reST) is a plain text markup syntax similar to Markdown. It is primarily used for technical documentation, software documentation, and in-line documentation (such as Python docstrings). RST files are designed to be human-readable in their raw form and easily converted into other formats like HTML, PDF, LaTeX, and man pages using tools like Sphinx. The syntax emphasizes readability and uses simple conventions for headings, lists, code blocks, and other common document elements. RST supports features like cross-referencing, tables, directives (extensible markup instructions), and roles (inline markup with specific meanings). It's a powerful and flexible format suitable for complex documentation projects where structure and consistency are important. The format is designed to be extensible, allowing for custom directives and roles to be added to support specific needs. It is often used in conjunction with Sphinx, a documentation generator, to create professional-looking documentation websites and PDFs from RST source files. The plain text nature of RST makes it ideal for version control systems and collaborative editing.