Technical Writing: Common DITA XML Map and Topic Elements from Udemy

Are you confused and overwhelmed by the number of elements you need to learn as a DITA XML technical writer? Do you wonder which are the elements you must use to simply write your software documentation fast? Or you simply need a refresher on which are the most often used elements in DITA XML?

If yes, this course is for you.

If you are a technical writer, looking to improve your knowledge and skills related to DITA XML, you should know the DITA XML map and topic elements well.

JPDocu School of Technical Writing has providing instructor-led and self-paced courses on technical writing, DITA XML, and information architecture to thousands of students worldwide. In this course, Jordan Stanchev, User Assistance Development Architect at a Fortune 500 software development company, is sharing his vast knowledge in DITA XML and Oxygen XML Author.

One of the major challenges authors have with DITA XML is the sheer amount of elements that you have to learn just to start writing. There are currently initiatives happening in the OASIS compete that define the DITA standard to simplify and reduce the number of elements you can use (Lightweight DITA XML project).

But is that really needed? Will it help you when you have a more complex scenario to document?

If you are a DITA XML technical writer, you should know the most frequently and commonly used DITA XML elements from DITA 1.3 specification. The consequence of having this knowledge will be that you should be able to write the documentation you need without giving up on any benefits and functionality of DITA.

In this course, you will learn:

Introduction & Installing the Tool for Writing - 10 min

How to get started writing in DITA XML. You will follow the steps to download and install one of the best DITA XML editors - Oxygen XML Author.

DITA XML Elements - 45 min

Which are the DITA XML map elements that you would use frequently to organize the structure of your content? You will need:

mapref to reference one DITA XML map to another;
navref to switch the writing context between deliverables;
topicref to structure and organize your topics;
topichead to create a title to group together content underneath it.

This followed by a demo on how to use all these elements in an end-to-end scenario.

DITA XML Topics and Topic Elements - 1 hour 25 min

DITA is a semantic language. It follows the principles of minimalism and structured topic-based writing.

You will understand the most frequently used DITA XML topic types: Task, Concept, and Reference.

I would dare to say that Task is the most important template for writing for a technical writer. It focuses on properly structuring and writing the content of each instruction you write.

You will see also specifics around more tricky DITA XML topic elements - such as the table and section elements, that help you better organize your documentation.

This all followed by a demo on how to use each of these elements.

You will perform short and straight-to-the-point exercises following the instructor's step-by-step demos.

What is not included in this course?

This is not a complete and exhaustive list of DITA XML elements.

One of the most complicated aspects of DITA is related to the way-too-many elements that are available. In this course, we try to simplify it to help you get started quickly, instead of trying to cover every possible DITA aspect.

Try it out and up your DITA XML writing skills. Remember, technical writing is easy - after all, it is just plain docu.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Dita xml topic elements
Dita xml map elements
Task topic type

Concept topic type
Reference topic type

Dita xml topic elements
Dita xml map elements
Task topic type
Concept topic type
Reference topic type

Syllabus

Introduction

What Will You Learn?

Installing a Tool for Writing with DITA

How to Get Started Writing in DITA?

1.Request a trial license from the Get a Trial page: https://www.oxygenxml.com/xml_author/register.html?p=author or from your instructor: jordan.stanchev@jpdocu.com.

2.Start the download. Go to https://www.oxygenxml.com/xml_author/download_oxygenxml_author.html

3.Choose your OS.

4.Click on the Download button.

5.Once the download is complete, start the installation wizard and install the tool.

6.Once the installation is complete, enter your trial license key.

You are now ready with the setup of the software for this course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on the most frequently used DITA XML elements from the DITA 1.3 specification, which allows writers to create documentation without sacrificing functionality

Provides hands-on exercises following step-by-step demos, which reinforces learning and builds practical skills in using DITA XML elements

Explores task, concept, and reference topic types, which are essential for structuring content in DITA XML and creating effective documentation

Requires learners to download and install Oxygen XML Author, which may pose a barrier to entry for some learners due to licensing or system compatibility

Taught by a User Assistance Development Architect at a Fortune 500 software development company, which lends credibility and industry expertise to the course

Does not cover all DITA XML elements, which may require learners to seek additional resources for more complex documentation scenarios

Reviews summary

Essential dita xml for technical writers

According to learners, this course offers a focused and practical introduction to the most common DITA XML map and topic elements. Students particularly appreciate the course's emphasis on getting started quickly by covering only the essential elements needed for writing technical documentation. The inclusion of demos and hands-on exercises using Oxygen XML Author is frequently highlighted as a major strength, providing practical experience. While the course is not intended to be exhaustive, students generally find it to be a highly effective starting point or quick refresher for technical writers dealing with DITA XML.

Does not cover every DITA element or advanced topics.

"As stated in the description, this course does not cover every DITA element, which is fine for a quick start."

"It's a good foundational course, but you'll need to seek out additional resources for more advanced DITA topics."

"Don't expect comprehensive coverage of all DITA functionalities; it's focused on common use cases."

"Understand going in that this isn't a deep dive into every DITA specification."

Ideal for those new to DITA XML or needing a refresher.

"This is a great introduction to DITA XML, perfect if you're just starting out."

"As someone who needed a refresher on DITA basics, this course was exactly what I needed."

"The pace and content are very accessible for beginners."

"Helped me overcome the initial intimidation of DITA."

Information is presented clearly and efficiently.

"The course is very clear, concise, and to the point."

"The explanations were easy to understand, even for someone relatively new to DITA."

"I appreciated the instructor's ability to explain complex topics simply."

"The content gets straight to what you need without unnecessary fluff."

Includes practical demos and exercises with Oxygen XML.

"The step-by-step demos using Oxygen XML were incredibly helpful and easy to follow."

"I found the hands-on exercises to be the best way to solidify my understanding of using the elements."

"Seeing the elements implemented in a real tool like Oxygen XML made the concepts much clearer."

"The practical application through demos made the learning stick."

Covers essential DITA elements for a quick start.

"This course focuses on the most common DITA XML elements, which is great for getting started quickly."

"I appreciate that the instructor didn't overwhelm us with every single element, just the ones you actually use daily."

"The selection of elements covered feels just right for a practical, real-world application."

"It simplifies learning DITA by focusing only on the essential map and topic elements."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Technical Writing: Common DITA XML Map and Topic Elements with these activities:

Review XML Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of XML basics to better grasp DITA's structure and syntax.

Browse courses on XML

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Read introductory materials on XML syntax and structure.
Practice creating simple XML documents.
Familiarize yourself with XML validation techniques.

Review 'DITA Best Practices'

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Learn best practices for DITA XML to improve your documentation workflow.

View Best Practices for Technical Writers and... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on chapters related to information architecture.
Identify best practices that can be applied to your own DITA projects.
Summarize key takeaways and share them with peers.

DITA XML Element Exercises

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Reinforce your understanding of DITA elements through hands-on practice.

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Create sample DITA topics using different element combinations.
Experiment with nesting elements to achieve specific formatting and structure.
Validate your DITA XML code to identify and fix errors.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create a DITA Concept Topic

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Apply your knowledge by creating a DITA concept topic on a subject related to technical writing.

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Choose a topic related to technical writing or DITA XML.
Write a DITA concept topic using appropriate elements.
Validate the DITA XML and refine the content.

DITA Documentation Project

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Solidify your DITA skills by creating a small documentation set for a software project.

Show steps

Select a small software project or feature to document.
Create a DITA map to organize the documentation topics.
Write DITA topics for tasks, concepts, and references.
Validate and publish the documentation set.

Read 'DITA for Practitioners'

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Deepen your understanding of DITA architecture and customization options.

View DITA for Practitioners Volume 1: Architecture... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on chapters related to DITA architecture.
Identify customization options that can be applied to your DITA projects.
Experiment with customizing DITA elements and attributes.

Contribute to a DITA Open Source Project

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Gain practical experience by contributing to an open-source DITA project.

Show steps

Find an open-source DITA project on platforms like GitHub.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as documentation or code.
Submit your contributions and participate in code reviews.

Career center

Learners who complete Technical Writing: Common DITA XML Map and Topic Elements will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation to help people understand and use complex products or services. This course helps aspiring technical writers, especially those using DITA XML. The course focuses on the most frequently used DITA XML elements from the DITA 1.3 specification, enabling technical writers to efficiently create documentation. By learning to use elements like mapref, navref, topicref, and topichead, one can effectively structure content. The course's emphasis on Task, Concept, and Reference topic types directly prepares one to write clear, structured documentation. Using Oxygen XML Author, one can master complex elements like tables and sections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Technical Communicator

The technical communicator conveys complex information clearly and effectively. This course directly enhances the skills of a technical communicator working with DITA XML. The course simplifies the learning by focusing on commonly used DITA XML elements. Understanding DITA XML map elements, particularly mapref, navref, and topicref, assists in structuring content. The instruction on Task, Concept, and Reference topic types equips one to develop documentation. Hands-on practice with Oxygen XML Author supports the real-world creation of technical content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Communicator

Technical Content Developer

A technical content developer creates and manages technical content for various platforms, including websites, help systems, and documentation. This course is relevant for those seeking to enhance their DITA XML skills. The course's emphasis on the most commonly used DITA XML elements, ensures that technical content developers can learn efficiently. Understanding DITA XML map elements contributes to creating well-structured content. Familiarity with Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, supports the development of various types of content. Practical experience with Oxygen XML Author is invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Content Developer

Documentation Specialist

Documentation specialists create and maintain documentation for a variety of products and services. This course particularly benefits documentation specialists who work with DITA XML. The course streamlines the learning process by focusing on the most frequently used DITA XML elements. Understanding DITA XML map elements helps specialists to structure and organize content. The course’s coverage of Task, Concept, and Reference topic types is valuable for creating clear documentation. The hands-on exercises using Oxygen XML Author provide practical skills for immediate application.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentation Specialist

Technical Publications Specialist

A technical publications specialist creates and maintains technical documents, such as manuals, guides, and reports. This course helps become proficient in DITA XML. The course's focus on the most frequently used DITA XML elements ensures efficiency. Understanding DITA XML map elements, like mapref and topicref, contributes to the creation of well-organized publications. Familiarity with Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, supports the development of various technical documents. The hands-on exercises with Oxygen XML Author provides practical skills for creating publications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Publications Specialist

Information Architect

The information architect designs the structure and organization of information within a system, ensuring it is findable and usable. This course directly benefits information architects who work with DITA XML. The course's instruction on DITA XML map elements enables the architect to design the structure of technical documentation. The course's focus on mapref, navref, topicref, and topichead, equips information architects with the tools to organize content. By mastering these concepts through Oxygen XML Author, the information architect can develop effective and navigable documentation systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Technical Editor

A technical editor reviews and refines technical documentation for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. This course helps technical editors who work with DITA XML documents. Knowing the most frequently used DITA XML elements, allows the editor to efficiently review and correct documentation. Understanding DITA XML map elements helps ensure proper content structure. Familiarity with Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, contributes to maintaining consistency in technical content. This course streamlines the editing process for DITA XML-based documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Editor

XML Developer

XML developers work with XML technologies to create and maintain data structures and applications. This course benefits XML developers who work with DITA XML for documentation or content management. The course provides a focused introduction to commonly used DITA XML elements. Understanding DITA XML map elements is crucial for structuring DITA documents. The knowledge of Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, can inform the development of DITA-based solutions. Hands-on exercises with Oxygen XML Author allow for the practical application of learned concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for XML Developer

Documentation Manager

A documentation manager oversees the creation, maintenance, and distribution of technical documentation. This course provides value to documentation managers using DITA XML. Focusing on the most commonly used DITA XML elements, streamlines documentation workflows. Understanding DITA XML map elements, such as mapref and topicref, helps to manage documentation structure. The knowledge of Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, ensures consistent content. Practical exercises in Oxygen XML Author, enhance the manager's ability to guide document creation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentation Manager

Knowledge Manager

Knowledge managers are responsible for organizing and sharing knowledge within an organization. This course may be useful for knowledge managers who deal with technical documentation or structured content using DITA XML. Understanding DITA XML map elements helps to structure knowledge repositories. Familiarity with Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, can inform the design of knowledge articles and guides. This course may improve a knowledge manager's ability to create accessible and well-organized knowledge bases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Manager

Content Manager

Content managers oversee the creation, storage, and distribution of content across various channels. This course may benefit content managers who work with technical documentation or structured content management systems using DITA XML. The course’s coverage of DITA XML map elements, assists in organizing content. Familiarity with topic types such as Task, Concept, and Reference, can inform content strategy and architecture. This course may improve a content manager's ability to create efficient content workflows and ensure content consistency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Manager

Content Architect

Content architects design and implement content management systems and strategies. This course may assist content architects who work with DITA XML. Understanding DITA XML map elements, such as mapref, navref, and topicref, is useful for designing content structures. Knowledge of the Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, can inform the architect's design decisions. This course may enhance a content architect's ability to develop efficient and scalable content solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Architect

Information Manager

Information managers are responsible for the efficient and effective management of information resources. This course may benefit information managers involved in the creation, storage, and retrieval of technical documentation using DITA XML. The course’s overview of DITA XML map elements, can inform the design of information architectures. Understanding Task, Concept, and Reference topic types, supports the creation of well-structured information assets. The course may improve an information manager's ability to organize and deliver relevant content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Manager

Content Strategist

A content strategist plans, develops, and manages content to meet specific business goals. This course may benefit content strategists who work with technical documentation or structured content management systems, particularly those employing DITA XML. Understanding DITA XML map elements helps in organizing and structuring content effectively. Knowledge of topic types such as Task, Concept, and Reference, can inform the development of content models and templates. The course may enhance the content strategist's ability to optimize content architecture and workflows.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create learning materials and programs. This course may benefit instructional designers who develop training materials for software or technical products, particularly if DITA XML is used to structure the content. Knowing DITA XML map elements helps structure learning modules. Understanding Task, Concept, and Reference topic types assists in developing effective learning experiences. This course may enhance an instructional designer's ability to create modular, reusable, and accessible learning content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Technical Writing

Common DITA XML Map and Topic Elements

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Essential dita xml for technical writers

Activities

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