Help needed on structure import/export client to read two flows

[Basavaprabhu]

Hi,

I've an XML application that exports/imports templates from fm to XML and XML to PDF. All goes fine as far as I've single text flow (single frame tagged 'A'). Soon I create a new text frame (which creates a new text flow). The content of new text frame disappears when I save it as XML.

My requirement is to have a two text frame side by side and export/import its content. I need to write a structured import/export client that reads two flows. I belive by default the XML applications use FmTranslator and only reads main flow. For this I need to go for my own client.

Could anyone help me out to achieve this?

Thanks,

Basav

[Michael_Müller-Hillebrand]

Basav,

The best method would be to avoid the requirement. Honestly. I have seen many seemingly technical requests which in the end were comparably easy to solve through some changes in the process.

If this is not possible, there are many events in structured clients which allow you to do almost anything with the source document. But you have to clearly define the target of the effort. I would assume such a task too large to be coached through a forum like this.

As I read you created a piece of software to go FM → XML → PDF I am wondering what kind of magic you do with the XML, that wasn't possible in FrameMaker. Most people use FrameMaker as a layout engine, some even create XML → FM → PDF processes because they want last-minute control.

- Michael

[Basavaprabhu]

Hi Michael,

I think, I've given you a wrong impression by saying "having an XML application that imports/exports fm to XML and XML to PDF". I"m not doing anything magic here. I apologies

Here I mean, I've structured XML application configured in structapps.fm with proper DTD, rules, etc., I've created a template in .fm file and save as XML file. Merge the data from DB from web application. Again the same XML file will be opened in Framemaker and save as PDF.

I need help on to create a structured client that does the jobs of reading two text flows from a template and export it to XML.

As you said, "Most people use FrameMaker as a layout engine, some even create XML → FM → PDF processes because they want last-minute control".

I'm also of the same category. I also need the same solution.

You Said," If this is not possible, there are many events in structured clients which allow you to do almost anything with the source document.But you have to clearly define the target of the effort. I would assume such a task too large to be coached through a forum like this"

I did not get this - "But you have to clearly define the target of the effort".

I've a proper template. I know, how my output should look like. I've the base EDD,DTD,read/write rules. I'm in the process of writing structured client to read two text flow from the template. At the end of the day, I need to create PDF out of XML file, either direct or indirect. The problem here is reading two text flows and exporting them to XML.

Hope I make sense now..! Do you still suggest to avoid the requirement?.

As I read you, "there are many events in structured clients which allow you to do almost anything with the source document", then, my requirement should also be possible. Just I'm missing something very basic. May be lack of knowledge and understanding on the structured templates.

By the way, let me know, if I could get in touch with some consultants or coachers directly on structured templates.

Thanks,

Basav

[Van Kurtz]

Not to overstep Michael's comments, but maybe I can help clarify the issue.

You state:

Here I mean, I've structured XML application configured in structapps.fm with proper DTD, rules, etc., I've created a template in .fm file and save as XML file. Merge the data from DB from web application. Again the same XML file will be opened in Framemaker and save as PDF.

This implies that your workflow is FM1 --> XML --> (merge XML + DB content) --> FM2 --> PDF.

The main question is: Where are the TWO text flows?

Does your FM1 file have two text flows? If so, I do no believe that FrameMaker can export a fm file containing two text flows into one XML file.

Are you meaning that the merged XML + DB content represents two text flows? If so, this is meaningless, because the resultant XML file is really only one file.

In FrameMaker terminology, two text flow refers to a fm document that two distinct text frames, each with a different name. As stated above, I do not believe these can be exported to a single XML file, but I could be wrong.

I think Michael is asking: Why do you need two text flows, if in fact you really have two text flows? Maybe you really only need one text flow. That is where clarification from you is needed. Why is it necessary to have two text flows?

I hope this helps to clarify the issue,

Van

[Michael_Müller-Hillebrand]

Basav,

Being able to roundtrip two separate flows would require the mechanics to join the two text flows into one XML file and vice versa. As Van stated, you are doing this

FM1 --> XML --> (merge XML + DB content) --> FM2 --> PDF

and I think it is probably a lot easier to avoid the complete XML import/export and just update the document in-place with the database content.

FM --> (merge DB content) --> PDF

If your FM document contains FrameMaker variables, it would be quite easy to update them. You might want to look at commercial tools like PatternStream or Miramo. They basically implement this workflow:

MIF --> (merge DB content) --> FM --> PDF

I know, it is not XML-based, but proven...

- Michael