Task Topics: Step Introductions in DITA

Step Introductions in DITA

To do step introductions, you’ll need either of these elements: <context> or <stepsection>. The <context> element is an optional one nested in the <taskbody> element. The <taskbody> element is a container of the steps for the task at hand, much like the <conbody> element is a container for the content in a concept topic.

When the <shortdesc> element isn’t enough, you use the <context> element to add to what was said in the <shortdesc> element.

Think of it this way: The <shortdesc> gives a brief introduction to the task. It could be an overview of the procedure, requirements, benefits of the procedure, etc. The <context> element completes what was said in the <shortdesc> such as where and when to perform the task at hand.

Now, if you make the <context> information too long, you just need to create a separate concept topic and link that concept topic to your task topic.

In DITA 1.1, <context> is used for step introductions. An example of a step introduction is: “The steps to making a cup of coffee are:” and then you list the steps.

If you’re using DITA 1.2 or later, then you need to use the <stepsection> element to introduce steps. The <stepsection> element is nested inside the <steps> element and comes before <step>.

Here’s a breakdown of how these are nested:
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<task>

<taskbody>

<steps>

<stepsection>

<step>

<cmd>

Whew…that’s all for now. Just thought I’d share what I learned today about DITA.

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Lisa Logan has been writing professionally since she was a student at North Carolina State University where she earned her bachelor and master’s degrees. She started out writing profile articles for the N.C. Literary Review, interviewing various North Carolina authors of fiction. Her own creative works were published in several issues of the Raleigh News and Observer’s short fiction section Sunday Reader. Lisa’s passion for screenwriting led to freelancing for a national screenwriter’s magazine Creative Screenwriting in which she writes features, interviewing Hollywood screenwriters, high-level film producers, directors, and actors. Lisa’s work can also be found in Our State magazine and Our State’s now defunct sister publication NC Signature.