Can organizations create specialized DITA domains from scratch?
Yes, organizations have the capability to create specialized DITA domains from scratch, allowing them to tailor DITA to their specific documentation needs. Here’s an overview of the process:
Identify Needs: Organizations start by identifying their unique documentation requirements that cannot be met by standard DITA. This includes recognizing the need for custom elements, attributes, and constraints.
Schema Development: Specialized DITA domains begin with schema development. Organizations create XML schemas that define the custom elements and attributes unique to their documentation needs. This schema development can be initiated from scratch.
Design and Structure: The schema is designed to ensure that the specialized domain aligns with documentation objectives. This involves determining the structure, hierarchies, and relationships of the custom elements.
Content Authoring Guidelines: Content authoring guidelines are established to instruct content creators on how to effectively use the specialized DITA domain. These guidelines cover element usage, attribute values, and best practices.
Testing and Validation: Specializations are thoroughly tested to ensure they meet documentation goals and do not introduce errors. Testing includes validation against different output formats and content scenarios.
Documentation Creation: Concurrently, documentation is created to guide content authors in the use of the specialized domain. This documentation provides explanations, examples, and usage instructions.
User Training: Content creators undergo training to become proficient in using the specialized DITA domain. Training programs ensure that they understand the customization and can effectively create content.
<!-- Example of creating a specialized DITA domain from scratch -->
<topic id="creating-specialized-dita-domain">
<title>Creating Specialized DITA Domains from Scratch</title>
<body>
<section>
<title>1. Schema Development</title>
<p>Explaining the process of creating a specialized DITA domain schema from scratch.</p>
</section>
<!-- More sections and examples go here -->
</body>