The DITA Project #1 in a series
Let’s say that you have a series of menu choices (such as Start > Programs > Accessories > Notepad). Each menu choice item should be in its own <uicontrol> tag. The whole series should be in a <menucascade> element.
A common error in preparing content is jamming multiple UI controls in one <uicontrol> tag, manually adding the connecting character (typically “>”).
Typical incorrect markup would be:
<menucascade><uicontrol>Start > Programs > Accessories > Notepad</uicontrol></menucascade>
The correct markup would be:
<menucascade><uicontrol>Start</uicontrol>
<uicontrol>Programs</uicontrol>
<uicontrol>Accessories</uicontrol>
<uicontrol>Notepad</uicontrol></menucascade>
When the content is published, the DITA OT adds connecting characters between the menu items to represent the menu cascade. So, the output would look similar to Start > Programs > Accessories > Notepad.
One idea, one topic
DITA Thought for Today: one idea, one topic.
Just saw a procedure with mixed in in the prerequisites. An attempt to sneak in another procedure!
Tip for today: dividing your task topic into sections is usually a tip-off that your topic has more than one procedure.
Remember – one idea, one topic. (Kind of like, “one man, one vote”.)
