Hi, sorry for the delay. I've been trying things out a bit, and I feel I haven't seen enough yet, but I won't have time tomorrow, so posting anyway now.
So, it seems that what we still need for a manual (any kind) is a platform to create it (not only write, but also output to different formats). I have had a chance to look at 3 different platforms on my list, and I'm trying to outline the pros and cons, as I perceive them, please add yours to the list. There are many more platforms in existance (see also: https://github.com/PharkMillups/beautiful-docs#generating-docs), and if anyone here has some experience with them, please add. ************* - Gitlab Wiki + X, as suggested by Martin. WHAT: An online Wiki on gitlab with a source code editor, associated with a gitlab project. PROS: - custom-made to suit the project's individual needs (no specifics yet) - Preview functionality CONS: - only (limited set of) Markdown, RDoc or AsciiDoc - limited formatting options, formatting not so much about 'roles' of formatted text, but more about 'looks' - the backend isn't written yet - no option for branches via interface (so we could start writing for trunk, and continue fixing for stable) - no direct translation support - support for the backend depends upon a single individual, no user community - no WYSIWYG editor - no GUI access to git repo, for managing where to put uploaded files etc. - no GUI for undoing a change (like in a 'normal' Wiki), or looking at a diff EXAMPLE (frontend): https://gitlab.com/inkscape/inkscape-web/wikis/home ************* - Gitlab Editor + Sphinx / readthedocs: WHAT: A git repository with an online source code editor and documentation update on readthedocs.org on save (i.e. commit). PROS: - available quickly (didn't know how it works exactly, but got it all up and running with test content within an evening) - uses git and reStructured Text - allows to have branches, so devel version features can be documented when they are coded - supports translations (not entirely sure how, though, haven't tested it yet, wanted to send this email instead. E.g. Django docs are translated. Fallback to English if no translation of a document. I think they use different branches.) - free theming, separately for each output format - free hosting, can also use our own domain name with readthedocs.org, e.g. docs.inkscape.org - after installing some programs, tool chain runs locally - preview via gitlab editor or local editor - same toolchain can be used for developer documentation (includes code documentation from docstrings) - extensible via plugins (haven't had a chance to take a closer look yet or test any) - I think it's possible to add a 'edit this page on gitlab' link to each page, to get new contributors, even when using readthedocs.org (not tested, but read that others did similar things) - extremely wide range of export formats via plugins - infinite hierarchy nesting - syntax highlighting (e.g. for command line usage instructions, or extension writers) - video embedding (not tested) CONS: - learning curve for admin (theming, plugins,...) - learning curve for editors (syntax, workflow) - no WYSIWYG editor, only preview (incomplete, because doesn't support all sphinx stuff) EXAMPLE: - repository: https://gitlab.com/Moini/inkscape-extensions-multi-bool/tree/master/docs - rendered documentation: http://inkscape-multi-bool-extension.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html ************* - Booktype: WHAT: A web portal for creating books, hosted by friends of the Inkscape project. PROS: - available right now, no further setup required - best interface by far, easy and intuitive to use - team functions, user roles, chat - prevents concurrent editing - wide range of export and import formats - support for themes/settings for specific export formats (e.g. different font sizes etc.) - free hosting and maintenance via flossmanuals(fr) - community of experienced documentors CONS: - confinement to django database for version control, more difficult to get data out of it again for editing - no direct translation support (make a copy of the book, copy changes over after doing a comparison in the history) - limited versioning support (only the latest one can be edited) - we'd need to ask someone to add CC-By-SA licence (currently, the options I got were CC-By, GPL. I guess this would be quick and easy to solve.) EXAMPLE (rendered documentation): https://www.flossmanualsfr.net/initiation-inkscape/ ************* All of them would be FLOSS, have support for internal linking, allow to insert images and allow editing via browser. ************* I wish it were possible to combine the ease of use of the booktype frontend with the portability, branch support, sustainability and versatility of the gitlab/sphinx/readthedocs backend... (In German that's called the 'eierlegende Wollmilchsau' - egg-laying wool- and milk-giving pig...) For the sphinx option, I believe I'd be able to take on the first setup and some of the tasks that come with customization and extending, as well as basic maintenance. For Booktype, anyone of the documentation writers could do that easily. Regards, Maren ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot _______________________________________________ Inkscape-docs mailing list Inkscape-docs@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/inkscape-docs
