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Subject: Re: [docbook-apps] DSSSL or XSLT (was Re: [docbook-apps] Chunking at the chapter level)
On Thu, Apr 24, 2003 at 01:52:30PM -0500, Lic. Rodolfo Gonzalez Gonzalez wrote: > > But I don't recommend a beginner update their stylesheet > > installation from CVS unless it is really necessary. > > BTW, I am also new on DocBook, and I would like to hear your opinion on > what is better to use: the SGML + DSSSL or the XML + XSLT. Of course, I > understand that the XML can be used in more ways than just for making the > documents (it could be processed by any program which understands XML), > and that's a great advantage. But what would you recommend? or what do you > use the most, for that matter?. If you are just getting started, there is no reason to use SGML unless you have existing SGML files that you must work with. There are more tools available for XML. And you can process XML files with either the XSL and DSSSL tools. Invest your learning time in XML. Then your choice is XSL vs. DSSSL stylesheets. Both stylesheets produce very fine HTML output using the available free tools. You have more tool choices on the XSL side. Both produce very fine print output, but the current crop of *free* XSL-FO processors are not finished products. If you are using FOP or PassiveTeX, your output may not meet your expectations. You have to be careful about how you use certain elements, and you still can't be sure that something won't break in the next release. If you have a budget to buy an XSL-FO processor from RenderX or Antenna House, then go with XSL for both HTML and print. If you can't afford a commercial XSL-FO processor, you can combine free tools. Use xsltproc or Saxon with XSL for HTML output, and use Jade or OpenJade with DSSSL for print output. The XSL stylesheets are getting more development attention by more people. They are easier to customize as well. They are clearly the future, but at the moment the free XSL print tools are holding them back a bit. -- Bob Stayton 400 Encinal Street Publications Architect Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Technical Publications voice: (831) 427-7796 The SCO Group fax: (831) 429-1887 email: bobs@sco.com
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