Task: Creating Custom XML Element

Pre-Requisite

Steps

1. Create new <element...> entry
   
   Info: New elements along with all existing DITA XML elements are defined in DITAStorm/config/model.xml file. As part of this procedure you are able to identify child elements along with a list of available attributes. For more information on model.xml see corresponding section.


2. Register with other elements
   
   Info: Identify other elements containing the new element and add it to the list of allowed elements in <group allows='...'>


3. Specify how the new element will be rendered.
   
   Info: You have two options now:
   
   
   1. First, you can rely on Developer to generate a default (outline-linke) representation of the new element. To exercise this option, use genericRenderer attribute of <element...>:
      <element name='my' ... genericRenderer='true'>...
   2. The Second option is to use the XSL rendering engine. To exercise this option, modify DITAStorm/config/simple.xsl. As an alternative, create your own XSL document and define rendering for your elements. For details about available XSL rendering options see corresponding section.


4. Compile your changes.
   
   Info: To make changes to model.xml and XSL you need to compile them. Developer uses compilation to optimize the editor’s performance and download time.

Result

With Developer’s XML customization options, entire new XML structures can be built. Here is an example of how it might look: Invoice Demo.