DITA topics

DITA topics are the basic units of DITA content. Each topic should be organized around a single subject. Topics may be of different types, such as task or reference, or may be generic, that is, without a specific type.

1. What are topics?
   A topic is a unit of information with a title and some form of content, short enough to be specific to a single subject or answer a single question, but long enough to make sense on its own and be authored as a unit.
2. Why topics?
   Topics are the basis for high-quality information. They should be short enough to be easily readable, but long enough to make sense on their own.
3. Information typing
   Information typing is the practice of identifying types of topics that contain distinct kinds information, such as concepts, tasks, and reference information. Topics that answer different kinds of questions can be categorized as different information types. The base topic types provided by DITA provide a usable starter set that can be adopted for immediate authoring.
4. Transitional text
   Most writers are familiar with narrative writing, in which writers provide transitions that lead a reader from one section to the next (like "Next, we will consider..." or "Having completed the previous tasks,..."). The topic-oriented paradigm incorporated in DITA's design--and implicit in the bookmap model derived from DITA maps--favors a writing style that minimizes the use of such narrative filler between topics.Topic-oriented writing is a disciplined approach to writing that emphasizes modularity and reuse of concise units of information--topics. A topic is enough information to fully convey an idea or task in one reading. Well-written topics can be reused in many contexts, as long as writers are careful about a few things.Topic orientation does not mean that transitions can't be authored in DITA. The key to providing both locational independence and intentional sequences is the adroit use of DITA markup features.
5. Generic topics
   The generic or unspecialized topic type provides the base for other specialized topic types, and also provides a place to author content that does not belong in existing specialized types.For specializers, generic topics provide an appropriate base for new specializations that do not fit the concept/task/reference mold. For authors, generic topics provide a way to author untyped content in DITA.
6. Concepts
   DITA concept topics answer "What is..." questions. They include a body-level element with a basic topic structure, including sections and examples.
7. Tasks
   Task topics answer "How do I?" questions, and have a well-defined structure that describes how to complete a procedure to accomplish a specific goal.
8. Reference
   Reference topics describe regular features of a subject or product, such as commands in a programming language.
9. Glossary
   Each DITA glossary topic defines a single sense of one term. Besides identifying the term and providing a definition, the topic can identify related terms.
10. Topic domains
    A DITA domain defines a set of elements associated with a particular subject area or authoring requirement regardless of topic type.

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OASIS DITA Architectural Specification v1.1 -- Committee Draft 13 February 2007
Copyright © OASIS Open 2005, 2007. All Rights Reserved.