What is a preprint?

A preprint is a scientific manuscript that is made publicly available by the author before the article is published in a peer-reviewed journal. Preprints are posted to disseminate information, claim ownership of an idea, and get feedback before submitting an article to a journal.

Advantages of preprints: quicker accessibility than traditional publication, opportunity to get feedback, documenting the history of ideas, providing timely access to research data, and publicity. Comments on preprints are often used by authors to improve their articles.