Version control and change tracking are essential aspects of managing product lifecycle documentation effectively using DITA XML. These features play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy, traceability, and reliability of documentation throughout the entire product development process.

Version Control

DITA allows for precise version control of documentation components, ensuring that every change is recorded and traceable. Each DITA topic can include version information, such as the version number and the date of the last modification. This makes it easy to track changes and understand the evolution of a document over time. Version control ensures that documentation remains aligned with the current state of the product, helping teams avoid errors caused by outdated information.

Change Tracking

Change tracking in DITA enables teams to identify and review modifications made to documentation. When updates are made to a topic, it’s possible to mark the specific changes, additions, or deletions within the content. This feature is valuable for collaborative environments, where multiple contributors work on the same documentation. Change tracking ensures that everyone is aware of the alterations made, allowing for efficient peer review and approval processes.

Example:

Here’s an example of how version control and change tracking can be applied in DITA:

<topic id="engineering_specifications">
  <title>Engineering Specifications</title>
  <version>2.0</version>
  <last-modified>2023-11-10</last-modified>
  <modified-by>Jane Smith</modified-by>
  <content>
    <p>This section describes the engineering specifications for the vehicle's engine.

    <change>
      <date>2023-11-05</date>
      <author>John Doe</author>
      <description>Updated torque values.</description>
    </change>
    <p>...
    </p>
  </content>
</topic>

In this example, a DITA topic on engineering specifications includes version information, the date of the last modification, and details of the latest change, such as the date, author, and description. This information ensures that all stakeholders are aware of the document’s status and recent updates.