Re: Got a simple system to track system text?

Subject: Re: Got a simple system to track system text?
From: jimmy -at- breck-mckye -dot- com
To: <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:53:35 +0000

This solution also works well for internationalization. The application uses an XML-based resource file that the tech writer and translators can edit directly. Then, this is added to a build (usually with some schema validation).

If possible, you might even be able to get a colleague to set you up a development environment so you can preview your changes locally. This will allow you to spot any hiccups or conflicts early on.

On 09.03.2012 08:54, reshma pendse wrote:

You could also use a DB-based utility which your developers should be
able to rig up. Basically, create a Database for all your UI text and
messages, with a primary ID/message ID, message text, status, and any
otherÂcolumnsÂyou need. Create a basic interface where you can view
and edit the text. WHen you save, changes are saved to the DB. You can
add an option to generate a .xml or .message file that the developers
can then import into their code. this can even be automated.

We used a utility like this in my previous company, and it worked
beautifully! We even tracked all the windows where that text ID was
used, if it was erro text, then we could capture all the scenarios
where it was used...You need not go that far!



________________________________
From: Sarah Lee Hauslinger <slhauslinger -at- gmail -dot- com>
To: Steve Schwarzman <steve -at- writersbookmall -dot- com>
Cc: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Sent: Friday, 9 March 2012 2:46 AM
Subject: Re: Got a simple system to track system text?

On Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 9:12 AM, Steve Schwarzman
<steve -at- writersbookmall -dot- com> wrote:
I'm looking for a not-overly-complicated system to manage the tracking of
system messages and screen text for an app.

It's not a CMS - that is, I'm not going to update the app directly from
this tracking system. It's a tracking system for each piece of text so that
developers can see what edits are needed and which ones haven't been done
yet. It will also serve as a master for all the texts.

Suggestions better than a spreadsheet?

How about using the issue-tracking system? That's how my team handles
it. R&D uses the system to track all development work, both bugs and
new features/improvements. We also use it to track, plan, and schedule
updated and new docs. Our developers and engineers often get busy
enough that they don't notice emails or wiki pages, but pay close
attention to issue tickets. We've developed a system of filters,
special ticket types, and custom component and field settings to
ensure that we catch everything that needs documenting. For us, it's a
highly effective strategy.


Sarah Lee Hauslinger
slhauslinger -at- gmail -dot- com

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Follow-Ups:

References:
Got a simple system to track system text?: From: Steve Schwarzman
Re: Got a simple system to track system text?: From: Sarah Lee Hauslinger
Re: Got a simple system to track system text?: From: reshma pendse

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