<body>: How do you use the <body> element to structure and organize the main content of a DITA topic, including paragraphs, lists, and other elements?
The <body> element in DITA XML is used to structure and organize the main content of a DITA topic. It serves as the container for paragraphs, lists, tables, and various other elements that make up the substantive part of the topic.
Structuring Content
Within the <body> element, you can use various DITA elements to structure your content effectively. For instance, you can use the <p> element for paragraphs, <ul> for unordered lists, <ol> for ordered lists, and <table> for tables. Here’s an example of how to structure content within a DITA topic using the <body> element:
<topic>
<title>Product Features</title>
<body>
<p>This topic provides an overview of the key features of our product.</p>
<ul>
<li>Feature 1: Description of feature 1.</li>
<li>Feature 2: Description of feature 2.</li>
<li>Feature 3: Description of feature 3.</li>
</ul>
<p>These features are designed to enhance user experience and improve productivity.</p>
<table>
<title>Feature Comparison</title>
<tgroup>
<thead>
<row>
<entry>Feature</entry>
<entry>Our Product</entry>
<entry>Competitor A</entry>
</row>
</thead>
<tbody>
<row>
<entry>Price</entry>
<entry>$199</entry>
<entry>$249</entry>
</row>
<row>
<entry>Performance</entry>
<entry>High</entry>
<entry>Medium</entry>
</row>
</tbody>
</tgroup>
</table>
</body>
</topic>
In this example, the <body> element contains paragraphs, lists, and a table, allowing you to present information in a structured and organized manner.
Creating Readable and Understandable Content
By using the <body> element effectively to structure your content, you can create documentation that is both readable and understandable, making it easier for users to access and comprehend the information.