The document compares the document type definitions DocBook and DITA. DocBook is hierarchical and focused on books, while DITA separates content from context and is topic-oriented. Key differences include DITA being more extensible and specialized, while DocBook has a larger set of predefined elements. Compatibility between the two standards is growing, but each may be more suitable depending on factors like project size, budget and timeline.

1. DocBook versus DITA: Will the real standard please stand up? Author: Teresa Mulvihill www.t2acommunications.com

4. DocBook Vs DITA – Background t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide 1991 1999 HaL Computer Systems 1998 2004

5. DocBook Vs DITA – Definitions t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide 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.

6. DocBook Vs DITA – Concepts t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide 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.

7. DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide

8. DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide Topic based Separation of content and context Specialization Key Features Large set of elements and attributes targeted for technical documentation Topic oriented Context Book (section) oriented

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

10. DocBook Vs DITA – Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide Small, growing community Community Well supported by the XML community Unrestricted, but all need development Output PDF HTML HTMLHelp

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

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

14. DocBook Vs DITA – Make your own decision Slide t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Medium to large Small to medium Budget One month plus Immediate Integration time frame XML, FrameMaker XML, MS Word, FrameMaker Documentation input Various PDF, HTML, HTMLHelp Documentation output Large Small to medium Documentation volume

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