Kenneth Harper wrote: > Benr > > Looking at the source files in the contrib/docbook module for Netbeans, >there is already minimal support for Solbook XML included with the Docbook >module; it was added almost 2 months ago.
What do you mean by "minimal?" Is it enough to take, for example, the SolBook source, edit it, and output an updated manual? > Most admit that they would still likely use or prefer 'vi' or other non-IDE > tool despite the development of a Netbeans plugin for Solbook XML. I for one would prefer to have an IDE or WYSIWYG tool for this. While I do most of my editing for any task--including HTML--in vi, I'm really not keen on having to learn a whole new language to do work on community docs. (I would rather spend the effort on just being productive.) Sure, I'll still have to learn a fair bit, but this would take some of the pain away (the amount depending on the power of the tool, of course). > There are also those that feel since opensolaris already has its tools > specified, there is no need to develop another tool or IDE. That statement > is validated because the community is not requesting, actively or passively, > an IDE or a Netbeans plugin. Does it? I think there is a lot missing (like graphics and chart editors). The tool chain I use for generating PDF's from the source has some significant issues, which I have not had the time or energy to chase down. I'm still hoping someone can point me in the right direction to fix some of this. None of these are addressed by this thread, however, so they are peripheral items. But I think the tools are far from "specified." > Steve was gracious enough to put together an > XMLMind version with Solbook XML support. Now that it exists, there is even > a stronger argument against developing a sound business case for a Netbeans > plugin with Solbook XML support. If the XMLMind tool is solid enough, I would agree. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, and will have to hunt for the link again (got it handy?). I assume it's in a previous docs-discuss post...? > It seems that Steve's efforts to release the XMLMind plugin more > than meets the need for Solbook XML users that want IDE tools. Again, if this is the case, I agree and you can not only stop losing sleep, ;-) but it means your energies can go into other productive channels instead of duplicating effort by solving a solved problem. :-) I think the whole OS.org community has enough work on its plate without finding five ways to solve every problem. Just my two cents' worth. Rainer -- Mind the gap.
