DocBook versus DITA: Will the real standard please stand up? Author: Teresa Mulvihill

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 2 About Teresa Mulvihill Bachelor of Science in International Communications and Technology Working experience… In Europe In North America In Asia & South Pacific

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 3 DocBook Vs DITA – Table of Contents  Background  Definitions  Concepts  Comparisons  Compatibility  Future possibilities  Make your own decision

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 4 DocBook Vs DITA – Background HaL Computer Systems

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 5 DocBook Vs DITA – Definitions DocBook is a document type definition (DTD) for writing technical books and articles, with the structure that such forms imply. DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) is both a DTD and a set of rules for writing online contextual documentation such as software help files.

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 6 DocBook Vs DITA – Concepts DocBook is hierarchical by nature, and must be developed to allow for single-sourced content. DITA separates content from context, allowing multiple architectures of information. DocBook is a fixed element and attribute set. DITA is extensible, allowing the definition of information types.

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 7 DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 8 DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons Book (section) oriented ContextTopic oriented Large set of elements and attributes targeted for technical documentation Key FeaturesTopic based Separation of content and context Specialization

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 9 DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons bat, bin, dtd, etc. files and eDE able to run with as is Download and Installation bat, bin, dtd, etc. files, and transformation engine Regular XML file called an include file with all files included in the document Document fileditamap file with all files and each file’s related links

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 10 DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons PDF HTML HTMLHelp OutputUnrestricted, but all need development Well supported by the XML community CommunitySmall, growing community

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 11 DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons With a little development, DocBook can do what DITA is attempting on a smaller scale. ComplexityDITA is impressively engineered, but can be too industrial- strength. Content Management System Possible needsPublishing plug-ins

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 12 DocBook Vs DITA – Compatibility Similar structures Easy(ish) mapping Online communities and companies are already attempting to facilitate compatibility Oasis Open Document Flatiron Solutions

t2a Communications - LiveTechDocsSlide 13 DocBook Vs DITA – Future possibilities The only constant is change… XMLMind, XMLSpy, ArborText, FrameMaker SoftwareXMLMind, ArborText, FrameMaker Possible with development WIKIsCommunity is working on a plug-in Book hierarchy enables easier collaboration Collaboration management Possible with training for reviewers

Slide 14 DocBook Vs DITA – Make your own decision t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Documentation volume Small to mediumLarge Documentation outputPDF, HTML, HTMLHelp Various Documentation inputXML, MS Word, FrameMaker XML, FrameMaker Integration time frameImmediateOne month plus BudgetSmall to mediumMedium to large

Slide 15 Thank you! Time for Q&A… DocBook Vs DITA – The End t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs