|
|
|
Simple HTML
There are several HTML-related standards, such a HTML 3.2, HTML 4, and XHTML 1.0. HTML 4 is also referred to as Dynamic HTML (DHTML). In addition, there are multiple browsers and device types that can display content based on these standards. With all these variables, getting the content you need formatted the way you need it for your specific environment and requirements is critical. ePublisher provides the Simple HTML and the Dynamic HTML output formats to allow you to generate the HTML-based output you need. You can also customize this formatting to meet your requirements.
The Simple HTML format produces HTML that conforms to the HTML 3.2 standard. HTML 3.2 is supported by the widest variety of Web browsers, including many browsers on hand-held devices and older browsers, such as Internet Explorer version 3. Simple HTML is recommended to produce output that can be viewed in older Web browsers or if you need to avoid using Cascading Style Sheets, Java, and JavaScript.
As the standards evolve, browsers and device platforms adjust to support the newer standards. With mobile devices, additional platforms and browsers have been introduced, which can complicate the decision about which standards your content can use. If you need to support devices with limited browsers, use the Simple HTML output format.
The Simple HTML and Dynamic HTML output formats allow you to generate HTML content to integrate into your Web site. You can also create content for HTML-based release notes and content for hand-held devices, such as PDAs. These output formats provide the flexibility and control you need, with the ability to add a basic table of contents, index, and browse navigation. You decide whether to use all the aspects of DHTML and XHTML in the Dynamic HTML output format, or to use simplified HTML to support a wide range of browsers and platforms, including mobile devices and PDAs.
With the various browsers, platforms, and standards available, you need to closely evaluate the needs of your users. Then, you can select the output format that delivers the content you need formatted the way you need it for your specific environment and requirements. For more information, see “Requirements”.
If you modify the page templates or styles in a Simple HTML project, make sure your changes also conform to the HTML 3.2 standard. If you use HTML 4 elements in a Simple HTML project, your generated content may not be displayed correctly in some browsers. For more information about HTML 3.2, see the HTML 3.2 specification maintained by the W3C at www.w3.org/TR/REC-html32.
To determine whether the Simple HTML output format is what you need, review the following considerations:
If you need to produce HTML content that can be viewed in older or less powerful browsers, or if you need to avoid using cascading style sheets (CSS), Java applets, and JavaScript, use the Simple HTML output format.
If all your users have current browsers and their viewing environment is not restricted, consider using the Dynamic HTML output format.
If all your users have current browsers and you want to provide enhanced navigation controls, such as an expand/collapse table of contents, full text search, and related topics buttons, consider using the WebWorks Help or WebWorks Reverb output formats.