Show HN: A Python script to convert DocBook books to QtHelp

Show HN: A Python script to convert DocBook books to QtHelp(github.com)

2 points by dkrajzew 3 years ago | 5 comments

I usually write my user documentation using DocBook. For my recent applications built on top of Qt (e.g. PaletteWB (www.palettewb.com)), I needed something that generates in-app help pages. db2qthelp does this.

Any criticism or interest is appreciated.

moistly 3 years ago |

I suggest using XSLT to transform Docbook to other XML. It’s purpose-built for that task. Saxonica offers a Python plug-in, though truth is that the XSLT solution can do everything you need.

dkrajzew 3 years ago | |

Yes, I know. But DocBook generates fine HTML and HTML is what QtHelp shows.

moistly 3 years ago | | |

And you should then use XSLT to transform the docbook-generated html to Qt html. It is designed for that task, no weird Python regexes and string-splitting and indentation-tracking required. IOW, choosing the right tool for the job.