The <topicmeta> element in DITA XML is used to provide metadata and descriptive information for a DITA topic. It allows you to include details about the topic, such as its subject, author, keywords, and other relevant information that helps users understand and navigate the content.

Metadata Information

You can use the <topicmeta> element to include metadata related to the DITA topic. This metadata can be essential for content management, search, and categorization. Here’s an example:

<topicmeta>
  <author>John Doe</author>
  <keywords>documentation, DITA, XML</keywords>
  <subject>Using <topicmeta> Element</subject>
</topicmeta>

In this example, the <topicmeta> element includes the author’s name, keywords, and the subject of the topic. This information can be used for indexing and searching topics efficiently.

Descriptive Information

Additionally, the <topicmeta> element can be used to provide descriptive information about the topic’s content. This helps users quickly grasp the topic’s purpose and relevance. Here’s an example:

<topicmeta>
  <shortdesc>This topic explains how to use the <topicmeta> element in DITA XML.</shortdesc>
</topicmeta>

In this case, a short description is included to provide a brief overview of what the topic covers, aiding users in deciding whether to read the topic in more detail.