The <codeblock> element in DITA XML is a valuable tool for displaying and formatting code, programming scripts, or code snippets within a DITA topic. It allows technical writers and developers to present code examples clearly and efficiently, making it easier for readers to understand and follow the instructions or concepts being discussed.

Usage of <codeblock> Element

To use the <codeblock> element, you include it within the content of a DITA topic and enclose your code or script within the <codeblock> tags. You can also specify the programming language for syntax highlighting using the “outputclass” attribute, which helps improve code readability. Additionally, you can add a title or description to provide context to the code example.

Example:

Here’s an example of how to use the <codeblock> element to display a code snippet in a DITA topic:

<codeblock outputclass="python">
  <title>Python Code Example</title>
  <code>
    def greet(name):
        print(f"Hello, {name}!")

    # Call the function
    greet("Alice")
  </code>
</codeblock>

In this example, the <codeblock> element is used to display a Python code snippet. The “outputclass” attribute specifies the programming language for syntax highlighting, and a title provides context for the code example.