docidx_intro -
docidx introduction
docidx (short for documentation tables of contents)
stands for a set of related, yet different, entities which are working
together for the easy creation and transformation of keyword-based
indices for documentation. These are
-
A tcl based language for the semantic markup of a keyword index.
Markup is represented by Tcl commands.
-
A package providing the ability to read and transform texts written in
that markup language. It is important to note that the actual
transformation of the input text is delegated to plugins.
-
An API describing the interface between the package above and a
plugin.
Which of the more detailed documents are relevant to the reader of
this introduction depends on their role in the documentation process.
-
A writer of documentation has to understand the markup language
itself. A beginner to docidx should read the more informally written
docidx language introduction first. Having digested this
the formal docidx language syntax specification should
become understandable. A writer experienced with docidx may only
need the docidx language command reference from time to
time to refresh her memory.
While a document is written the dtp application can be used
to validate it, and after completion it also performs the conversion
into the chosen system of visual markup, be it *roff, HTML, plain
text, wiki, etc. The simpler dtplite application makes
internal use of docidx when handling directories of documentation,
automatically generating a proper keyword index for them.
-
A processor of documentation written in the docidx
markup language has to know which tools are available for use.
The main tool is the aforementioned dtp application provided
by Tcllib. The simpler dtplite does not expose docidx to the
user.
At the bottom level, common to both applications, however sits the
package doctoools::idx, providing the basic facilities to
read and process files containing text in the docidx format.
-
At last, but not least, plugin writers have to understand the
interaction between the doctools::idx package and its
plugins, as described in the docidx plugin API reference.
docidx does not stand alone, it has two companion formats. These are
called
doctoc and
doctools, and they are for the markup
of
tables of contents, and general documentation,
respectively.
They are described in their own sets of documents, starting at the
doctoc introduction and the
doctools introduction,
respectively.
This document, will undoubtedly contain bugs and other problems.
Please report such in the category
doctools of the
http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=12883.
Please also report any ideas for enhancements you may have.
docidx_lang_intro, docidx_lang_syntax, docidx_lang_cmdref, docidx_lang_faq, doctools::idx, docidx_plugin_apiref, doctools_intro, doctoc_intro
markup, semantic markup, index, keyword index