introducing version 2.0

This document set is being updated for Xilize version 3.0. Nearly all of the information here applies to version 3.0 as well.

Xilize is a way of generating valid HTML from ordinary text. More formally, Xilize is a markup language for generating XHTML and a translator for that language. In version 2.0, Xilize provides a natural mode as well as an author's assistant in the optional jEdit plugin for efficent web page creation.

See background for more information on the evolution of Xilize markup.

documentation

The documentation set for version 2.0 is new and up-to-date:

User Guide detailed directions on using Xilize
quick reference summary of all Xilize markup
example browser dozens of Xilize examples
extended example a complete, real-world, annotated example using the source files for the Xilize docs

new in version 2.0

Version 2.0 is a significant enhancement over the previous version 0.9.

translation engine enhancements

  • natural mode – website creation is now as simple as opening a new file and typing content
  • sitemap generation
  • page ordering – for linking to previous and next pages
  • option for modern or classic footnotes
  • faster, more sophisticated translation

jEdit plugin enhancements

  • Xilize Author Assistant, a dockable window, provides direct access to
    • information about and automatic insertion of over 60 markup elements as well as
    • a modifier creation dialog and
    • a project configuration tool
  • an Xilize line comment string enables explicit folding in jEdit in addition to adding comments to the source
  • single-click creation of template files for project configuration, headers, footers, page ordering, CSS stylesheets and more

natural mode

Xilize can now be run in natural mode for two complimentary purposes:

  1. website creation — create and maintain an entire website with Xilize
  2. document writing — a simpler alternative to docbook

In natural mode Xilize automatically finds and uses CSS, header, and footer files based on the directory of the file being translated allowing you to concentrate on the content and structure of your website rather than the nuances of Xilize include and ifdef syntax. When it finds a page.order file, it sets the value of prev and next keys, so you can provide ordered navigation through a set of pages.

See XAA, natural mode, and page assembly in the User Guide.