Pre-computing and encoding techniques for an electronic document to improve run-time processing

A markup language document, such as an e-book, having a general format is converted into a simplified hierarchy of linked files. During this process, the file is pre-computed and encoded to accelerate run-time search operations and to minimize the computational requirements for run-time parsing and other forms of processing. The resulting e-book content is organized in a simplified file format hierarchy. The e-book file format hierarchy includes a root directory containing all of the files for a particular e-book. The root directory contains a content subdirectory linked to the root directory. The content subdirectory has nested therein at least one linked content file providing content information relating to the electronic book. The content file is pre-computed and encoded to minimize run-time processing.