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Subject: Re: [docbook-apps] Simpler XHTML output
Let me first clarify that I think a clean XHTML would have to be an additional output mode for the DocBook stylesheets. I don't propose that it be the default XHTML output, because not everyone wants to be dependent on CSS, nor do they want their output to radically change with a new release. I'm not sure yet if it would be a parameter setting, or a new stylesheet directory. I think a specification could have three parts. The first part would outline the guiding principles for clean XHTML output that is dependent on CSS for its styling. For example, use CSS layout features instead of layout tables, and follow the published accessibility guidelines, and such. The second part would provide detailed descriptions of how specific elements would be handled. It would not have to cover *all* elements, as long as the principles from the first part can be followed to handle elements that are not yet covered. And the third part would provide the skeleton of a CSS file to support the first parts, so that the default output is useful. I think the statement of principles part could be usefully discussed on this list, because there are a lot of knowledgeable and experienced people that could contribute. The other two parts could be developed offline, as long as they are publicly accessible for those who are interested in contributing to this project. If this seems like a reasonable approach, then someone could post a draft of the first part to get the project moving. Bob Stayton Sagehill Enterprises DocBook Consulting bobs@sagehill.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rene Hache" <rene.hache@gmail.com> To: "Bob Stayton" <bobs@sagehill.net> Cc: <docbook-apps@lists.oasis-open.org> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2005 8:15 AM Subject: Re: [docbook-apps] Simpler XHTML output Bob, I would love to take on this task of specify how the XHTML should look like, as long as I can get a little bit of help along the way. Since I am not a "technical user" of DocBook (for example, I would never have a need for a calloutlist), I would also need a XML Docbook file that has an example of all the potential outputs. To answer Larry's questions about what I mean by simpler, I certainly would like tables-less layout (in the header for example) as well as the cleanest code possible. I admit, I am a bit of a web standards purist. For example, the extra DIVs around a UL tags ARE indeed a hindrance, since it's an extra hassle styling wise. It makes it much more difficult if not impossible in some browsers, to have a list be displayed inline within a paragraph. A DIV around a UL tag is not necessary, since a UL tag is already a block element. Also, anchors tags currently surround a heading tag, which makes the entire paragraph act as link, when ideally it should be place at the beginning. These are just two simple example of how the code could be simpler and more effective. As for creating a default CSS file, I do believe that I am up to the task if that is what is required, as well as creating accompanying graphics. The CSS, of course, would be well commented so that others could work their way around the file. Sincerely, Rene
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