When working with tables in DITA XML, there are generally no strict limitations imposed on the number of rows or columns you can include in a table. DITA is designed to be highly flexible and allows you to create tables to suit your specific documentation needs. However, practical considerations, such as readability and usability, should guide your decisions on table size and complexity.

Table Size and Complexity

While DITA does not prescribe a maximum number of rows or columns, it’s essential to maintain the usability and accessibility of your content. Extremely large tables with numerous rows or columns can become unwieldy and challenging for readers to navigate. In such cases, it’s advisable to break down complex tables into smaller, more manageable sections or use features like table headers and captions to enhance comprehension.

Example:

Here’s an example of a simple table in DITA XML:

<table frame="all">
  <tgroup cols="3">
    <colspec colname="col1" colwidth="20%" />
    <colspec colname="col2" colwidth="40%" />
    <colspec colname="col3" colwidth="40%" />
    <thead>
      <row>
        <entry align="center">Header 1</entry>
        <entry align="center">Header 2</entry>
        <entry align="center">Header 3</entry>
      </row>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <row>
        <entry>Row 1, Column 1</entry>
        <entry>Row 1, Column 2</entry>
        <entry>Row 1, Column 3</entry>
      </row>
      <row>
        <entry>Row 2, Column 1</entry>
        <entry>Row 2, Column 2</entry>
        <entry>Row 2, Column 3</entry>
      </row>
      <!-- Additional rows as needed -->
    </tbody>
  </tgroup>
</table>

In this example, a simple table with three columns and an unspecified number of rows is created. It is essential to structure tables logically and consider the content’s readability and organization while working with tables in DITA.