Section Element (`section`)

The section element organizes topic content into distinct, self-contained subdivisions to improve information scannability and readability.

The section element serves these primary purposes:

Creates organizational divisions within a long, complex topic
Groups related content for improved scannability
Maintains topical cohesion within subdivisions
Organizes topic content into logical subdivisions while maintaining direct relevance to the subject matter discussed in the topic

Key characteristics of the section element:

Can contain paragraphs, lists, tables, figures, and other general content elements
Can have an optional title element (use only one title per section)
Cannot be nested (section within a section)
Permits different uses based on topic type context

The section element usage varies by topic type context:

[General] Task Topics

Sections can appear in any order within the taskbody
Sections can be used before or after structured task elements like steps or result
Multiple sections are allowed at the same level

Concept Topics

After adding a section to conbody, only additional sections or examples are allowed

Reference Topics

Block elements (p, fig) must be nested within sections
Titles are optional and often omitted in reference topic sections

Use section to:

Break down long topics into manageable chunks of content
Improve content scannability with clear visual separation
Add optional section titles to categorize information
Organize complex information into thematic units

Tip:

Sections are often used incorrectly for content that should be added in a separate topic. When choosing between a section and a topic, consider this:

If the content is self-contained (can exist independently of the topic it refers to), add it in a new topic
If you need to create hierarchy, don't use sections; instead, create separate topics and establish hierarchy through map organization
Reserve sections for long, complex topics requiring clear division of content that has to exist within the context of a topic (is not self-contained)

Guidelines for using section title element:

Use only one title per section (the DITA standard permits multiple title elements in the section element)
Place title before other content
Create new sections rather than multiple titles within one section
In output, title is typically placed first regardless of XML placement

Section elements added to a concept topic in the Heretto CCMS Content Editor.

The DITA source of the section element with the surrounding context of a concept:

<concept id="concept-4948" xml:lang="en-us">
    <title>Coffee Brewing Fundamentals</title>
    <shortdesc>Understanding the key variables that affect coffee extraction and flavor development to achieve consistently exceptional coffee brewing results.</shortdesc>
    <prolog>
        <author translate="no" type="creator">Heretto User&lt;user@heretto.com&gt;</author>
    </prolog>
    <conbody>
        <p>Successful coffee brewing depends on controlling several critical variables. The interplay between water quality, temperature, grind size, and brewing time determines the final cup quality and flavor profile. Understanding and mastering these variables enables you to consistently produce coffee that highlights the bean's inherent characteristics while avoiding common extraction problems.</p>
        <section>
            <title>Water Quality</title>
            <p>Water composition significantly affects extraction, comprising 98-99% of brewed coffee. The right mineral content and chemical composition are crucial for optimal extraction and flavor development:</p>
            <ul>
                <li>
                    <p>Mineral content (TDS): Ideal range is 150-200 ppm (parts per million). Water that is too soft (below 100 ppm) results in under-extraction and flat flavors, while extremely hard water (above 250 ppm) can lead to bitter flavors and scale buildup in equipment. Calcium and magnesium ions are particularly important.</p>
                </li>
                <li>
                    <p>(...)</p>
                </li>
            </ul>
            <note type="tip">Test your water hardness with a TDS meter and pH strips regularly. Consider seasonal variations in municipal water supply that may affect mineral content.</note>
        </section>
        <section>
            <title>Temperature Control</title>
            <p>Proper temperature management ensures optimal extraction and significantly impacts which compounds are extracted from the coffee grounds:</p>
            <ul>
                <li>
                    <p>Brewing temperature range: 195-205°F (90.5-96.1°C). This range effectively extracts desirable compounds while avoiding bitter over-extraction.</p>
                </li>
                <li>
                    <p>(...)</p>
                </li>
            </ul>
            <note type="tip">Use a temperature-controlled kettle for best results. For manual kettles, wait 30-45 seconds after boiling before pouring, or until steam becomes less vigorous.</note>
        </section>
    </conbody>
</concept>

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Section Element (`section`)

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Section Element (section)

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Section Element (`section`)