Caroll´s GR text: differences between PDF and printed book?

In summary, PDF stands for Portable Document Format and refers to a digital file format, while a printed book is a physical copy of a book printed on paper. A PDF can be converted into a printed book, but there may be differences in layout and formatting. One advantage of using a PDF is its accessibility and ease of sharing, while limitations of a printed book include portability and difficulty in editing. The content of a PDF and a printed book should be the same, but there may be slight differences in layout and interactive elements.
  • #1
Goldbeetle
210
1
Dear all,
what are the differences between Caroll´s GR published book and the PDF text?
Thanks,
Goldbeetle
 
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  • #2
One big difference is that Chapter 9 from the published book, Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime, is not included at all in the pdf version. This chapter is a nice introduction to the topic.

From Sean Carroll's webpages,

"About 50% of the book is completely new; I've also polished and improved many of the explanations, and made the organization more flexible and user-friendly."
 
  • #3


There are several key differences between a printed book and a PDF text. First, a printed book is a physical object that can be held and read without the need for electronic devices, whereas a PDF text requires a device such as a computer or e-reader to be read. Additionally, a printed book can be easily shared and passed on to others, while a PDF text may have restrictions on sharing and distribution.

In terms of content, a printed book may have more visual elements such as illustrations or diagrams, while a PDF text may have limited or lower quality visuals. A printed book also allows for easier navigation and bookmarking, while a PDF text may require scrolling or searching for specific sections.

From a scientific standpoint, a printed book may have more credibility as it has undergone a rigorous publishing process and has been physically printed and distributed. A PDF text, on the other hand, may not have gone through the same level of peer review and may have a higher risk of containing errors or inaccuracies.

Overall, both printed books and PDF texts have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two may depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the reader.
 

1. What is the main difference between a PDF and a printed book?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format, which is a digital file format that is used to represent documents in a consistent manner. A printed book, on the other hand, refers to a physical copy of a book that has been printed on paper.

2. Can a PDF be converted into a printed book?

Yes, a PDF can be converted into a printed book by using a printing service or by printing the PDF file yourself. However, the layout and formatting may differ from the original PDF file.

3. Are there any advantages of using a PDF over a printed book?

One advantage of using a PDF is that it can be easily shared and accessed on different devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. It also allows for easy searching and navigating through the document.

4. What are the limitations of a printed book compared to a PDF?

Printed books are limited in terms of portability and accessibility. They can be bulky and may not be readily available in all locations. Additionally, they cannot be easily edited or updated once they have been printed.

5. Is the content of a PDF and a printed book the same?

In most cases, the content of a PDF and a printed book should be the same. However, there may be slight differences in the layout and formatting due to the conversion process. Additionally, some PDF files may include interactive elements that cannot be replicated in a printed book.

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