Automatically extracting DITA content for translation is a valuable process that streamlines the localization of documentation into different languages or regions. This approach enhances efficiency and ensures consistency in the translation process. The typical workflow for automatically extracting DITA content for translation includes the following key steps:

Content Selection

The first step is to determine which DITA topics or maps need translation. Organizations can choose to translate the entire document or specific sections based on their localization requirements. The selected content is then identified and marked for extraction.

Extraction Process

Once the content is marked, an automated extraction process is initiated. This process involves using tools or scripts that are designed to extract the text and relevant metadata from the DITA source files. The extraction may also include information related to the context and structure of the content to aid in the translation process. This extracted content is often converted into a format that is suitable for translation, such as XLIFF (XML Localization Interchange File Format).

Example:

Here’s an example of how content extraction for translation might be documented in DITA XML:

<task id="content_extraction">
  <title>Content Extraction for Translation</title>
  <steps>
    <step>Select DITA topics for translation.</step>
    <step>Mark selected content for extraction.</step>
    <step>Initiate automated extraction process.</step>
    <step>Convert extracted content to XLIFF format.</step>
  </steps>

In this DITA topic, the process of content extraction for translation is outlined as a series of steps. These steps guide the extraction process to ensure a smooth transition to the translation phase.