Example: How the collection-type and linking attributes determine links
In this scenario, a simple map establishes basic hierarchical and relationship table links. The collection-type and linking attributes are then added to modify how links are generated.
The following example illustrates how linkage is defined in a DITA map:
Figure 3. Simple linking example
<topicref href="A.dita" collection-type="sequence">
<topicref href="A1.dita"/>
<topicref href="A2.dita"/>
</topicref>
<reltable>
<relrow>
<relcell><topicref href="A.dita"/></relcell>
<relcell><topicref href="B.dita"/></relcell>
</relrow>
</reltable>
When the output is generated, the topics contain the following linkage. Sequential (next/previous) links between A1 and A2 are present because of the collection-type attribute on the parent:
A
Links to A1, A2 as children
Links to B as related
A1
Links to A as a parent
Links to A2 as next in the sequence
A2
Links to A as a parent
Links to A1 as previous in the sequence
B
Links to A as related
The following example illustrates how setting the linking attribute can change the default behavior:
Figure 4. Linking example with the linking attribute
<topicref href="A.dita" collection-type="sequence">
<topicref href="B.dita" linking="none"/>
<topicref href="A1.dita"/>
<topicref href="A2.dita"/>
</topicref>
<reltable>
<relrow>
<relcell><topicref href="A.dita"/></relcell>
<relcell linking="sourceonly"><topicref href="B.dita"/></relcell>
</relrow>
</reltable>
When the output is generated, the topics contain the following linkage:
A
Links to A1, A2 as children
Does not link to B as a child or related topic
A1
Links to A as a parent
Links to A2 as next in the sequence
Does not link to B as previous in the sequence
A2
Links to A as a parent
Links to A1 as previous in the sequence
B
Links to A as a related topic
Parent topic