<section>: How do you use the <section> element to further divide the content of a DITA topic into logically organized sections or subsections?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

The <section> element in DITA XML is used to further divide the content of a DITA topic into logically organized sections or subsections. It allows you to create a hierarchical structure within a topic, making it easier for readers to navigate and understand the content.

Creating Logical Divisions

When using the <section> element, you can define different sections of your topic based on the topic’s content. For example, if you’re documenting a software application, you can use <section> elements to separate sections like “Installation,” “Configuration,” “Troubleshooting,” and “Advanced Features.” This logical division helps users find the specific information they need without having to scroll through a long, single page of content.

Example:

Here’s an example of how you can use the <section> element to organize the content of a DITA topic:


<topic id="software_guide">
  <title>Software User Guide</title>
  <body>
    <section>
      <title>Installation</title>
      <p>This section provides instructions for installing the software on your system.</p>
      <subsection>
        <title>System Requirements</title>
        <p>Before you begin, make sure your system meets the following requirements:</p>
        <ul>
          <li>Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 11 or later.</li>
          <li>RAM: 8 GB or higher.</li>
          <li>Storage: 20 GB of free space.</li>
        </ul>
      </subsection>
      <subsection>
        <title>Installation Steps</title>
        <p>Follow these steps to install the software:</p>
        <ol>
          <li>Download the installer from our website.</li>
          <li>Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.</li>
          <li>Complete the setup process.</li>
        </ol>
      </subsection>
    </section>
    <section>
      <title>Configuration</title>
      <p>This section explains how to configure the software for optimal performance.</p>
      <subsection>
        <title>Setting Preferences</title>
        <p>You can customize your software experience by adjusting various preferences.</p>
      </subsection>
      <subsection>
        <title>Connecting to Servers</title>
        <p>Learn how to connect to remote servers using the software.</p>
      </subsection>
    </section>
    <!-- Additional sections go here -->
  </body>
</topic>

In this example, the DITA topic “Software User Guide” is divided into sections such as “Installation” and “Configuration,” with subsections providing more detailed information. This hierarchical structure enhances the organization and usability of the documentation.