Glossary

This glossary explains terms that are related to technical writing and to software documentation. Possibly, the terms have other meanings in different contexts.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X–Z

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a-z index (a to z index)

See index.

access key

With websites, an access key is a character key that a user can press to select a hyperlink or a field in a form.

accessibility

Accessibility is a measure of how accessible a product is. Accessibility measures the level to which people with disabilities can use a product. (A product can be software, services, or buildings.) See also Section 508; usability.

AECMA Simplified English

See ASD Simplified Technical English.

agile software development

See the Agile Manifesto (http://agilemanifesto.org).

application documentation

See documentation.

appendix

An appendix is text that is near the end a book. Usually, an appendix contains these things:

Information that helps some people, but which other people do not need.
Information that is not important, but which some people want to know about.

An appendix is part of the end matter.

ASD Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100)

ASD Simplified Technical English is a controlled language for the preparation of maintenance documentation. Before issue 3, ASD Simplified Technical English was known as AECMA Simplified English.

ASD-STE100

ASD-STE100 is the specification for ASD Simplified Technical English.

aspect ratio

An aspect ratio is the ratio of one dimension to a different dimension.

audience analysis

Audience analysis is the identification of the requirements of users. See also task analysis; training needs analysis. Audience analysis is also known as 'user analysis' or 'audience research'.

authoring memory

Authoring memory is software that helps technical authors to write consistently. Source text is stored in a database. When a technical author writes text that is similar to text in the database, the software supplies the stored text to the technical author. If the stored text is suitable, the technical author can use it. See also controlled language; controlled vocabulary; translation memory.

automated language translation

See machine translation.

automated translation

See machine translation.

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back matter

Back matter is the American English name for end matter.

back-of-the-book index

See index.

bibliography

A bibliography is a list of books, articles, web pages, or other documents. Usually, the documents in the list are related to the content of the primary document. For example, the documents contain background information.

blog

A blog is type of website. Usually, one person regularly publishes short articles about a topic. Frequently, readers can make comments about each article.

breadcrumb

A breadcrumb is a navigation aid on a user interface. See 'Breadcrumbs In Web Design: Examples And Best Practices' (www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/17/breadcrumbs-in-web-design-examples-and-best-practices-2/).

browse sequence

A browse sequence is a navigation method in online documentation. A browse sequence is similar in concept to a wizard. Users click a button or a hyperlink to view the next topic or the previous topic in a set of topics. Usually, the topics are read in sequence.

bulleted list

A bulleted list is an unordered list that uses bullets (•) or other marks to show the start of each item in the list. See also the terms in this bulleted list:

numbered list
ordered list
run-in list.

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callout

A callout is text and a line that points to an area on a graphic. For example:

Canadian binding

Canadian binding is a type of binding for printed documents. The pages are held together with wire. The wire spine has a cover.

caption

A caption is a label for a graphic.

Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)

A Cascading Style Sheet is a set of rules that specify how a web browser displays an HTML page. The advantages of CSS instead of HTML formatting are as follows:

The style is controlled in one location, and changes are automatically applied to all HTML pages.
The file size of each HTML page is smaller (sometimes by 50% or more). Therefore, documents can be downloaded more quickly.
Accessibility is improved.

The international CSS standards are available from www.w3.org.

CBT

See e-learning.

CHM Help

See compiled HTML Help.

CMS

See content management system.

CNL (controlled natural language)

See controlled language.

cognitive impairment

A cognitive impairment is decrease in the ability to think and to remember. A cognitive impairment is different from a learning disability, because a cognitive impairment can occur to a person who previously had no disability. For example, an accident or an illness can cause cognitive impairment. Some cognitive impairments are temporary. For example, a person who has a headache possibly cannot think clearly.

comb binding

Comb binding is a type of binding for printed documents. The pages are held together with a circular plastic comb.

compiled HTML Help (CHM help)

Compiled HTML Help is a proprietary help system from Microsoft. Compiled HTML Help is also known as CHM help, because of the file name extension. Compiled HTML Help is based on HTML.

computer-based training (CBT)

See e-learning.

computer-generated translation

See machine translation.

computer translation

See machine translation.

concordance

See under index.

conditional text

Conditional text is text that is published only if a condition is fulfilled. See also single-sourcing.

content management system (CMS)

A content management system is software for managing digital content such as websites. See also document management system; help authoring tool.

content strategy

Content strategy is the process and the methods that are used to create effective content. Content strategy is applicable to all the content that an organization creates. However, for many technical communicators, the content strategy is primarily applicable to documentation.

contents list

See table of contents.

context-sensitive help

Context-sensitive help is online documentation that has context-sensitivity.

context-sensitivity

Context-sensitivity is the ability of online documentation to respond dependent on a user's interaction with the software. Usually, a user presses the F1 key or a help button to view help about the active dialog box. See also context-sensitive help.

controlled language

A controlled language is a language that has limits on how grammar and words are used. The purpose is to make text as clear as possible. See also ASD Simplified Technical English; controlled vocabulary.

controlled natural language (CNL)

See controlled language.

controlled vocabulary

A controlled vocabulary is set of terms that a technical writer is permitted to use. The purpose of a controlled vocabulary is to make text as clear as possible. See also ASD Simplified Technical English; controlled language.

copyright

Copyright is the legal right to publish a document. An author automatically has the copyright of a document, but the author can assign copyright. See the Patent Office's Copyright section (www.ipo.gov.uk/copy.htm).

copywriter

A copywriter is a professional writer who does copywriting.

copywriting

Copywriting is the art of creating content (or 'copy'). Usually, the term refers to writing in the literary sense, instead of the engineered language that technical writers create. For example, copywriters create text for journals, magazines, brochures, and other types of marketing communications.

crop (verb)

To crop is to remove part of a graphic.

cross-platform help

Cross-platform help is online documentation that can be used on all software operating systems and all web browsers.

cross-reference

A cross-reference is a direction from one part of a document either to another part of the document, or to a different document. In a printed document, a cross-reference usually contains a page number. In an online document, a cross-reference is usually a hyperlink.

CSS

See Cascading Style Sheet.

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DAISY: See Digital Accessible Information SYstem (DAISY).
Darwin Information Typing-Architecture: See DITA.
definition list: See glossary.
desktop publishing: Desktop publishing is the work of organizing text and graphics using software to create a document. Frequently, desktop publishing includes writing the text and creating the graphics.
Digital Accessible Information SYstem (DAISY): DAISY is a technical standard that is used to create accessible content. See the DAISY Consortium (www.daisy.org).
digital communication: See online documentation.
digital printing: Digital printing is a printing technology that does not use plate or film in the printing process, unlike litho printing. To compare these methods, see 'Digital printing for software manuals'.
DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture): DITA is an XML schema that is used for structured writing. DITA uses the concepts of 'typed topics', which is similar to 'information types' in Information Mapping. See http://xml.coverpages.org/dita.html.
DocBook: DocBook is an XML schema that is used for structured writing.
document management: Document management is the management of electronic documents from their creation to their final disposal (destruction or archiving) in an organization. See also document management system.
document management system: A document management system is software for document management. See also content management system.
documentation: Documentation is information that helps people to solve problems, to make decisions, and to do tasks efficiently. See also online documentation; reference manual; user guide.
documentation plan: A documentation plan is a document that specifies the important parts of a documentation project. This term is equivalent to the term 'project plan'.
domain expert: See subject-matter expert.

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e-help (ehelp): See online documentation.
e-learning: E-learning is self-study training material that is supplied electronically. Usually, e-learning is supplied on the Internet. In the past, e-learning was known as computer-based training (CBT).
EasyEnglish: EasyEnglish is a type of international English from Wycliffe Associates (UK) (www.easyenglish.info/eewhatis.htm). See also Global English; Globish; Special English; Specialized English.
Easy Read: Easy Read is English that is written to help people who have learning difficulties. For guidelines that explain how to write in Easy Read, see 'How to use Easy Words and Pictures (Easy Read Guide)' (www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/how_to_use_easy_words_and_pictures.pdf).
Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS): EPSS is an electronic system that is immediately available and that helps people to do their business tasks. Unlike online documentation for only one software product, an EPSS usually supports all of an organization.
electronic publications: See online documentation.
embedded help: Embedded help is documentation that is part of the software. Embedded help appears directly on a window, a screen, or a tab. Readers do not click a button or put the pointer on a field to see the help text. Embedded help cannot be opened independently from the software. See also context-sensitive help.
embedded index: An embedded index is an index that is created as part of an electronic document. A technical writer marks index entries in the text, and the software automatically creates locators. See also 'Embedded indexing service for Word'.
end matter: End matter is supplementary information that comes after the primary text in a printed book. In the context of software documentation, end matter usually includes appendices, the index and glossary. See also front matter.
Extensible Markup Language: See XML.

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FlashHelp: FlashHelp is a Flash-based online documentation format from Adobe. See also WebHelp.
font: A font is an instance of a typeface. For example, 'Times 12pt Bold' is a font.
footer: A footer is information that is repeated at the end of each page or online documentation topic. For example, the footers on the TechScribe website all contain a copyright statement. See also header.
front matter: In a printed document, front matter is information that comes before the primary text. Usually, in software documentation, the front matter contains legal information, copyright information, and publication date. Usually, a table of contents comes after this information. See also end matter.

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ghost-writer

A ghost-writer is a professional writer who writes texts that are attributed to another person. Many copywriters are ghost-writers. Usually, a technical writer is not a ghost-writer, because documentation from one technical writer is not attributed to a different technical writer.

Global English

Global English is type of international English. See also EasyEnglish; Globish; Special English; Specialized English.

globalization

Globalization is the process of making a product available globally. Globalization includes business processes and technical processes. Typically, first a product is internationalized, and then the product is localized for different national markets. See also internationalization; localization.

Globish

Globish has different meanings:

Globish (Gogate) (www.mngogate.com/e02.htm). Globish is English that has a phonetic spelling.
Globish (McCrum)
Globish (Nerrière). Globish is a type of international English.

glossary

A glossary is an alphabetic list of terms. Each term is explained. Essentially, a glossary is a small dictionary that helps readers to understand the meaning of the terms in a document.

graphic

A graphic is an item of art, for example, a screen shot, a diagram, a flow chart, or a photograph.

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hard copy: Hard copy is an alternative term for printed documentation.
HAT: See help authoring tool.
header: A header is information that is repeated at the top of each page or online documentation topic. For example, headers in printed documentation show the chapter title and page number. See also footer.
Help (Help file, Help screen): See context-sensitive help.
help authoring tool (HAT): A HAT is software that is used to create online documentation. See HAT Matrix (http://hat-matrix.com).
hot spot: On a screen, a hot spot is an area on a graphic that responds to the pointer.
house style: See style guide.
hyperlink: In online documentation, a hyperlink is a link from one part of a document to another part of a document or to another document. Usually, the link is coloured text, or a small graphic. A user clicks the link to view the new location.
hypermedia: See online documentation.
hypertext media: See online documentation.

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icon: An icon is a graphic on a screen that represents a function of the software.
idiom: An idiom is a group of words that has a different meaning from the usual meaning of the separate words. For example, 'out of the blue' is an idiom that means 'unexpectedly'.
index (compared with concordance): An index is an ordered list (usually alphabetic) of terms. Index entries contain cross-references to pages or topics in a document. For an example, see the index to this website.; An index and a concordance are both ordered lists, but functionally, they are different. A concordance contains only terms that are in a document. Usually, these terms are product names, technical terms, and acronyms. An index captures the meaning of the topics in a document. Possibly, some index entries do not appear in the primary text of a document. For example, an index entry for 'data output' directs readers to topics about reports and about saving data, but the term 'data output' does not appear in either of the topics.; See also table of contents.
info mapping: See Information Mapping.
information architecture: Information architecture is the structure of information. See also information design.
information design: For practical purposes, information design is an alternative term for technical writing. See also instructional design.
Information Mapping: Information Mapping is a method for analysing, organizing, and showing information. Information Mapping is a type of structured writing.
instant translation: See machine translation.
instruction manual: See reference manual; user guide.
instructional design: Instructional design is the design of instructional materials such as training courses, e-learning systems, and user guides. See also information design.
instructions: See procedure.
international English: International English is English that is optimized for an international audience. See also EasyEnglish; Global English; Globish; Special English; TechScribe's international English website.
international reader: An international reader is a person who reads English as second language.
internationalization: Internationalization is the process of making a product culturally neutral. In documentation, things such as a idioms and cultural references are not used. See also globalization; localization.
internationalized English: Internationalized English is an alternative term for international English.
i18n: I18n is jargon for internationalization. The word internationalization has 20 letters. Between the first letter (i) and the last letter (n) are 18 other letters.
ISO/IEC 18019:2004: 'Software and system engineering—Guidelines for the design and presentation of user documentation for application software'. This old international standard was replaced by ISO/IEC 26514:2008.
ISO/IEC 26514:2008: 'Software and system engineering—Requirements for designers and developers of user documentation'. This international standard replaces ISO/IEC 18019:2004.
ISTC: Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (www.istc.org.uk). The ISTC is a professional organization for technical communicators. See also STC.

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jargon: Jargon is technical language that is used in a profession, or by a group of people. Jargon is suitable in some documentation. For example, in a reference manual for SQL programmers, terms such as 'table', 'entity', and '3^rd Normal Form' are suitable. However, such terms are not good for the average user of business software.
Javadoc: Javadoc is software from Oracle that uses comments in the source code to create API documentation in HTML format (www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/documentation/index-jsp-135444.html).
JavaHelp: JavaHelp is an open source system from Oracle for creating online documentation (http://java.net/projects/javahelp/).
just-in-time printing: See print on demand.

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keyword (or key word): A keyword is a word or a phrase that is related to an online topic. Keywords are specified by the technical writer. Users can search for keywords, and if that keyword exists, one or more topics are shown to the user. A keyword is the online equivalent of an index entry.
knowledge acquisition: Knowledge acquisition is the strategies, the tools, and the methods for finding information, specially information that subject-matter experts know. Knowledge acquisition is one of the most important parts of technical writing.
knowledge elicitation: See knowledge acquisition.
knowledge management (KM): Knowledge management is a superset of technical communication. Knowledge management is "doing what is needed to get the most out of the collective knowledge resources in a company". See the BCS article 'Working smarter not harder' (www.bcs.org/content/ConWebDoc/14285).

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l10n: L10n is jargon for localization. The word localization has 12 letters. Between the first letter (l) and the last letter (n) are 10 other letters.
LaTeX: LaTeX is a typesetting system that is used to create documents that have excellent typography.
Lay-flat binding: Lay-flat binding is a type of binding for printed documents. The pages are held together with flexible adhesive tape.
list of contents: See table of contents.
litho printing: Litho printing is the 'traditional' method of printing. For low print volumes, digital printing is a better option. For a comparison, see 'Digital printing for software manuals'.
localization: Localization is the process of changing a document from one language into another language. Translation of text is a large part of localization. Analogies, symbols, icons, and colours must be evaluated and possibly changed, because their meanings can change across cultures. See also globalization; internationalization.
locator: In a printed index, a locator is a page number that comes after a heading or a subheading, and which tells a reader where to find information about the heading or the subheading. In an online index, no page number exists. Instead, the heading or the subheading is a hyperlink.

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machine translation (MT)

Machine translation is the automatic translation of text using only software without the help of a translator. See also post-editing; translation memory.

manual

See reference manual.

marcomms

See marketing communications.

marketing communications (marcomms)

Marketing communications is an organization's methods of communication with its customers and prospects. Although some technical writers create documents for marketing communications, copywriting and technical writing are different, as we show in 'Copywriting and technical writing compared'.

metadata

Metadata is data about data. For example, metadata about a book includes the price, the name of the author, and the ISBN.

minimalism, minimalist

Minimalism is an action-based and task-oriented strategy for creating documentation. Minimalism gives emphasis to what readers must do. A minimalist document contains only important information. The basic principle is task-orientation. Brevity is important, but only because brevity can help task-oriented activity.

Carroll introduced the term 'minimalism' in the early 1980s. Carroll specifies the basic principles as:

Choose an action-oriented approach.
Anchor the tool in the task domain.
Support error recognition and recovery.
Support reading to do, study and locate.

moiré

Moiré is an interference pattern that appears in screen shots.

MT

See machine translation.

multimedia

Multimedia is the collective term for text, graphics, animation, and interactive content.

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non-native reader

See international reader.

numbered list

A numbered list is an ordered list that uses numbers to show the sequence of items in the list. See also the terms in this numbered list:

bulleted list
run-in list
unordered list.

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online documentation: Online documentation is documentation that is designed to be read from a screen. Usually, online documentation contains context-sensitive help. Online documentation is separate from the software, unlike embedded help.
online help: See online documentation.
on-screen documentation: See online documentation.
ordered list: An ordered list is a list in which the sequence of items is important. An ordered list does not necessarily contain sequence characters. For example, an index is an ordered list, but an index is not a numbered list. See also bulleted list; run-in list; unordered list.

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PDF (Portable Document Format): PDF is a file format that Adobe developed. PDF is an open standard named ISO 32000. See 'Adobe Portable Document Format' (www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/adobepdf.html).
perfect binding: Perfect binding is a type of binding for printed documents. The pages are glued at one edge.
persona: A persona is a model of a typical user. A persona has characteristcs that help a technical communicator to design a document for the people who will read that document. See 'Develop Personas' (www.usability.gov/methods/analyze_current/personas.html).
phrasal verb: A phrasal verb is a type of verb that has two words. Usually, the meaning of the verb is different from the usual meaning of the separate words. Usually, the parts of the verb can be separated by a noun. For example, 'carry out' is a phrasal verb. "He carried his job out well" means "he did his job well".
plain English: Plain English is English that is written as clearly as possible. Plain English is primarily for people who use English as a first language. See also international English.
pop-up help: See pop-up window.
pop-up window: In context-sensitive help, a pop-up window is a small secondary window that appears when a user clicks a link.
Portable Document Format: See PDF.
post-editing: Post-editing is the process of improving a machine translation. A translator corrects only what is necessary. For example, large grammar errors are corrected, but an unusual word order is not changed.
preferred term: A preferred term is a term that is used in preference to another equivalent term. For example, TechScribe uses 'user guide' instead of 'user manual'. Therefore, the preferred term is 'user guide'. See also controlled vocabulary.
preliminary matter (prelims): Preliminary matter is an alternative term for front matter.
print on demand (printing on demand): Print on demand is a method for printing a small number of documents only when the documents are necessary. Usually, printing on demand uses digital printing.
procedure: A procedure is a numbered list of steps that tells a person how to do a task. See also process.
process: A process is a sequence of things that occur in a system. Possibly, none, one, or many users are involved. In a description of a process, the focus is on how the system operates, not on what people do. See also procedure.

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QuikScan: QuikScan is a format that makes printed documents and online documents more usable. QuikScan uses numbered list items for summaries in the document. The numbers are related to numbers in the primary part of the text. See http://quikscan.org.

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reference manual: A reference manual is a document that explains the parts of a product. Usually, for a software reference manual, each dialog box, screen, field, tab, and button is explained. A reference manual answers the question, "What is x?" See also user guide.
restricted language: See controlled language.
restricted vocabulary: See controlled vocabulary.
rule-based writing: See structured writing.
run-in list: A run-in list is a list in which the list items are part of a sentence. See also the terms in this run-in list: bulleted list; numbered list; ordered list; unordered list.
running foot: See footer.
running head: See header.

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saddle stitch: Saddle stitch is a type of binding for printed documents. The pages are stapled together.
sans serif (compared with serif): A serif is a small projection on a character. Many traditional typefaces have serifs. A sans serif typeface is a typeface that does not have projections.; For more information, see 'Which Are More Legible: Serif or Sans Serif Typefaces?' (http://alexpoole.info/blog/which-are-more-legible-serif-or-sans-serif-typefaces/).
screen capture: See screen shot.
screen shot: A screen shot is a copy of the content of a screen. Frequently, a screen shot is cropped to show only the important parts of the screen. See also graphic.
Scrum: Scrum is a type of agile software development.
Section 508: Section 508 is a US law that came into effect in June 2001. Section 508 requires that all IT products (including their documentation) that are sold to US government organizations are accessible to people with disabilities.
sentence memory: See authoring memory.
serif: See under sans serif (compared with serif).
simplified English: Simplified English can mean one of many types of controlled language, such as ASD Simplified Technical English or Wycliffe Associates' EasyEnglish (www.easyenglish.info/about-us/articles/communicator.htm).
single-source publishing: See single-sourcing.
single-sourcing: Single-sourcing is a method of creating documentation. Single-sourcing can be used when more than one item of documentation is necessary for a product. The components of all the documents are written in one source file. The writers of the source file specify which components are required for each item of documentation. See also conditional text.
social media: Social media is websites and software that let people create and share content.
software documentation: See documentation.
Special English: Special English is a type of international English from Voice of America (www.voanews.com/learningenglish/about-us/). See also EasyEnglish; Global English; Globish.
Specialized English: Specialized English is a type of international English from Spotlight Radio (http://spotlightradio.net/about/about-specialized-english/). Specialized English is almost the same as Special English. See also EasyEnglish; Global English; Globish; Special English.
standard operating procedure (SOP): See procedure.
standard technical English: See ASD Simplified Technical English.
STC: Society for Technical Communication (www.stc.org). STC is a professional organization for technical communicators. See also ISTC.
STOP: STOP (sequential thematic organization of publications) is a method of structured writing that was developed by the Hughes Aircraft Company in the 1960s.
structured authoring: See structured writing.
structured writing (structured authoring): Structured writing is a method of writing that applies engineering principles to documentation. Information is 'typed' (for example, 'fact', 'concept', 'data value', 'procedure'). Rules specify the structure of a document. See also controlled language; Information Mapping; XML.
style guide: A style guide is a set of rules and guidelines that tell authors how to write documents. A style guide usually contains information about the sentence style, layout, typefaces, captions, headers, and other parts of a document. See also style sheet; template.
style sheet: A style sheet is a set of rules that specify how a computer system displays the content of an electronic document. See also Cascading Style Sheet; style guide; template.
subject-matter expert (SME): A subject-matter expert is a person who has detailed knowledge about a subject. Possibly, the knowledge is tacit knowledge.
syntactic cue: A syntactic cue is a part of language that helps a reader to identify parts of speech and to analyse the structure of a sentence.

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table of contents

A table of contents is a list of chapters or sections that are in a document.

In printed documentation, a table of contents is a list of chapters and subheadings with their related page numbers. The sequence of the list is the same as the sequence of the headings in the document. The table of contents is usually at the front of the document.
In online documentation, a table of contents is a list of topics with hyperlinks to the topics. Usually, the topics are in groups of related information, and there is a hierarchy of expandable and collapsible headings. Usually, the table of contents appears as a navigation pane on the left side of the help window.

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UA: See user assistance.
UI: See user interface.
unordered list: An unordered list is a list in which the sequence of items is not important. Sometimes, an unordered list is a bulleted list. See also numbered list; ordered list; run-in list.
usability: Usability is a quality attribute that assesses how easy user interfaces are to use (according to Jakob Nielsen, www.useit.com/alertbox/20030825.html). Usability is specified by five quality components: learnability, efficiency, memorability, errors, and satisfaction. See also accessibility.
user analysis: User analysis is an alternative term for audience analysis.
user assistance (UA): User assistance is the techniques and technologies to make working with software a better experience. These technologies include online Help, wizards, websites, printed documentation, and improvements to the user interface (based on text supplied by WritersUA/WinWriters, www.writersua.com).
user guide: A user guide is document that explains how to use software to do procedures. A user guide answers the question, "how do I…?" See also reference manual; task-based documentation.
user interface (UI): A user interface is the parts of a system that a person sees and uses to interact with the system. A user interface includes hardware such as a keyboard and a mouse. Frequently, the term user interface means the content that appears on a screen.
user instructions: See procedure.
user story: A user story is a requirement that is written in the business language of a user.

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vocabulary list: See glossary.

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WebHelp: WebHelp is cross-platform online documentation system from Adobe. It has similar functionality to compiled HTML Help. See also FlashHelp.
white paper: A white paper is detailed or authoritative report. For excellent information about white papers, see www.thatwhitepaperguy.com.
white space: White space is an empty area on a page or on a screen. White space does not always have a white colour. The defining feature of white space is that white space does not contain text or graphics.
wiki: A wiki is a type of website. Users can create and edit web pages by using a web browser.
WinHelp: WinHelp is an early type of online documentation from Microsoft.
wire binding: Wire binding is a type of binding for printed documents. The pages are held together with a coil of wire.
word list: See glossary.
worldwide English: See international English.

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XML (Extensible Markup Language): XML is a markup language that is used for structured writing. See http://xml.coverpages.org/xml.html.
XML schema: An XML schema specifies the structure of an XML document. See www.w3.org/standards/xml/schema and www.w3schools.com/schema/. Popular XML schemas are DITA and DocBook.

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