OASIS Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) TC

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How much "context" to show in examples?

  • 1.  How much "context" to show in examples?

    Posted 02-14-2023 15:57
    We talked a bit about this at last week’s TC meeting, and Robert and I talked about this at our spec editors’ meeting yesterday and made decisions.   The question (raised by Tammy Crowley) concerned the following code sample for <troubleSolution>, and the question was whether it would be better shown in the context of the <troublebody> element:   Original code sample      <troubleSolution>               <cause>The <msgnum>E247</msgnum> error message is generated due to a                      transient memory fault.</cause>               <remedy>                 <steps>                   <step><cmd>Reset the alarm.</cmd></step>                   <step><cmd>Monitor the system periodically to see whether the alarm recurs.</cmd></step>                 </steps>               </remedy>             </troubleSolution>   Robert and I agree that the following would be better:   <troubleshooting id="e247">   <title>E247: Memory fault has occurred</title>   <troublebody>     <troubleSolution>       <cause>The <msgnum>E247</msgnum> error message is generated due to a            transient memory fault.</cause>       <remedy>         <steps>           <step><cmd>Reset the alarm.</cmd></step>           <step><cmd>Monitor the system periodically to see whether the alarm recurs.</cmd></step>         </steps>       </remedy>     </troubleSolution>   </troublebody> </troubleshooting>   Note that this is a pattern ONLY for elements that are components of structural specializations, not base constructions or domain elements. Also, the following considerations apply: Snip the code as necessary to make the code sample not otherwhelmingly long Scrap this pattern if following it makes the code sample too involved or ;ong.   Best, Kris   Kristen James Eberlein Chair, OASIS DITA Technical Committee Owner, Eberlein Consulting LLC kris@eberleinconsulting.com Skype: kriseberlein; voice: +1 (919) 622-1501