Docbook to build Websites?

[skirril]

Hello there,

this is my first post, for quite some time, though I have a problem that irks me.

For a Website I need to redesign (its html 4.01 non-strict, non-validating), I'd like to do a proper job and start out nicely, if possible.

I searched a little, and ran actoss something that seems ot be called Docbook-Website, an XML DTD for websites.

However, my search revealed no sites that would give an introduction, or at least tell me which of the many docbook tags are supported?

Ideas, comments, anyone?

Skirril

[Receptional]

Don't know about the one you just mentioned, e-consultancy has a set of web project template files if they are the sort of thing you are looking for.

[zomo]

Hi:

I don't know about "Docbook-Website" in particular, but The Linux Documentation Project ([tldp.org ]) uses a DocBook based XML DTD; see their Author's Guide.

There is a section that discusses why they use DocBook and XML [tldp.org].

Actually, a bit of a search turned up the "Docbook-Website" home page; it's now called "docbook-xml-website" [packages.debian.org]

It's evidently based on the work of the illustrious Norm Walsh ([nwalsh.com ], but his page redirects you to
the Docbook project at Sourceforge [sourceforge.net]

Check out the documentation page at that project:

[sourceforge.net ]

It's full of good stuff that should help get you started.

My two cents: in general I'm in favor of using XML where it adds value, but it can also add significant complexity (and complexity==cost). So ask questions. Do you have a complete toolset lined up? For example, will you need an XML editor, and if so, is there one that is within your client's budget? And the most basic: what value will using XML add?

Best wishes for the project.