.md files are plain-text Markdown documents, while .do files are Document Objects used in specific software applications.
Markdown (.md) files use simple syntax to format text, converting to HTML for web display. Document Object (.do) files store formatted content within proprietary software, like WordPerfect.
| Extension | Type | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| .md | Plain text | Web content, documentation |
| .do | Binary | WordPerfect documents |
.md files are popular for web development due to their simplicity and compatibility with version control systems. They're often used for README files on GitHub..do files are specific to WordPerfect and maintain complex formatting within that system.
Many assume .md files are only for developers, but they're widely used for general documentation. Conversely, .do files aren't universally compatible outside of WordPerfect.
I once converted a client's WordPerfect manuals to Markdown for better web accessibility. The .do files contained complex tables that required careful translation to Markdown syntax.
For web projects or collaborative documentation, Markdown (.md) is typically the better choice due to its simplicity and widespread support. For WordPerfect-specific work, .do files are necessary.