Strict task

A strict task topic answers the "How do I?" question by providing precise step-by-step instructions and other necessary information that enables users to complete the task successfully.

Content model

The strict task topic is divided into three parts:

Introduction

This portion of the topic can contain the following structural sections:

  1. Prerequisites: <prerequisites>
  2. Contextual information: <context>

These sections are all optional, but they must occur in the outlined order.

Procedural instructions
This portion of the topic can contain only one of the following structural sections:
Post-instructions
The section of the topic can contain the following structural sections:
  1. Result: <result>
  2. Troubleshooting information: <tasktroubleshooting>
  3. Example: <example>
  4. What to do next: <postreq)>

These sections are all optional, but they must occur in the outlined order.

Example

This section is non-normative.

The following code sample contains a strict task topic:

<task id="birdhousebuilding">
    <title>Building a bird house</title>
    <shortdesc>Building a birdhouse is a perfect activity 
    for adults to share with their children or grandchildren. 
    It can be used to teach about birds, as well as the proper use of tools.
    </shortdesc>
 <taskbody>
  <prereq>To build a sound birdhouse, you will need a complete set of tools:
  <ul><li>hand saw</li>
      <li>hammer ... </li>
  </ul></prereq>
  <context>Birdhouses provide safe locations for birds to build nests and raise their young.
      They also provide shelter during cold and rainy spells.</context>
 <steps>
   <step><cmd>Lay out the dimensions for the birdhouse elements.</cmd></step>
   <step><cmd>Cut the elements to size.</cmd></step>
   <step><cmd>Drill a 1 1/2" diameter hole for the bird entrance on the front.</cmd>
         <info>You need to look at the drawing for the correct placement of the 
               hole.</info></step>
   <!--...-->
  </steps>
  <result>You now have a beautiful new birdhouse!</result>
  <postreq>Now find a good place to mount it.</postreq>
 </taskbody>
</task>