PCLT19 Mar 1995 - Preliminary Information
Use of the Internet and particularly of the World Wide Web has exploded in recent months. However, the language in which Web documents is written (HTML) is obscure. It is difficult to master even its simpler features, while experts rush to add even more complicated new features to the language. Many documents include mistakes that can produce various results on different viewing programs. Getting the basic material right can be so difficult that users often ignore recommended options that could improve the quality of the document.
SpHyDir replaces the HTML syntax with a graphic view of the document structure. Within the SpHyDir workarea, objects are created to represent chapters, sections, paragraphs, images, lists, and data-entry forms elements. The objects are arranged in a natural hierarchy: Sections contain subsections which in turn contain paragraphs, images, and lists. Lists contain numbered or unnumbered points. Forms contain entry fields and buttons.
SpHyDir runs in OS/2 Warp and follows the Workplace model of its user interface. The user drags a document into the workarea. New elements are added to the document by dragging empty paragraph, image, list, or forms objects and dropping them into the document. Hypertext links are created by dragging files from the library or URL references from a Web Browser and dropping them on existing text or images.
Unlike "HTML Editors" SpHyDir concentrates on the entire library of related files. The following links are to "subdocuments," separate Web files that are logically part of a single logical document. Among subdocuments, SpHyDir automatically generates links to the [Next] and [Previous] document and back here to the root document. If a global change needs to be made, the entire collection of related files can be regenerated.
SpHyDir only reads Web (HTML) documents. However, after editing it produces both a revised *.HTM file and a second *.IPF file that is input to the OS/2 Help compiler. IPF source can be used to generate INF documentation and HLP program help files. INF files can be viewed in OS/2 and (with a tool from IBM) in Windows. Viewing information from a local hypertext file is faster, and there are additional keyword search functions not available through the Web. The document you are now viewing (and its related files) are also available as SPHYDIR.INF. Since this represents a useful example of many SpHyDir features, the source is available for download along with the SpHyDir program.
SpHyDir changes weekly (sometimes daily). The Status document keeps users aware of bugs fixed and new features that have been added.
SpHyDir is designed to manage large documents or libraries on the Web. It doesn't provide access to every formatting option, and may not be the best choice for the unusual graphic layout common in things like advertising brochures.
To understand SpHyDir, you need to see the screen layout.
There is a large, vocal community of people who feel very strongly about HTML syntax. Avoiding HTML entirely will probably offend them.
SpHyDir can be downloaded to your machine right now. Of course, it only runs in OS/2 Warp.
How to do the most common things.
The Toobar and Document Objects
Definition and use of document objects (sections, images, paragraphs, lists, points, etc.).
Creating hypertext links from images or hotwords to other documents in the Web.
Hypertext works better if the individual files are small. Logical documents are constructed by linking files together as subdocuments. SpHyDir manages the process.
Extending SpHyDir with Rexx Code
SpHyDir is written in Rexx. Rather than including every feature that anyone might want, the SpHyDir strategy is to define interfaces at strategic points to external Rexx programs that the user can code.
Web forms provide for simple data entry through simple text fields, check boxes, radio buttons, and selection lists.
Supported and Unsupported HTML
Copyright 1995 PCLT -- SpHyDir Web Document Manager -- H. Gilbert
May be distributed with SpHyDir program
This document generated by SpHyDir another fine product of PC Lube and Tune.