A method of producing documentation that can be used when more than one item of documentation is needed for a product. The components of all the documents are written in one single source file. The writers of the source file define which components are required for each of the various documents.
A software capability that enables the user to generate various formats of online help in addition to print documents using one software tool. In the context of this web site, single sourcing refers to RoboHelp's single sourcing feature that creates WebHelp, HTML Help and print manuals from the same source file.
using one content repository to generate documents in different formats. The content only needs to be written and maintained in one place, but can be output in formats such as HTML and RTF (rich text format) as required. Also known as multi-purposing. Repurposing refers to the sequential output of content in different formats using different software tools.
Writing a document in one format and then automatically translating it into a number of other formats, for example, HTML for the web, RTF for help files and PDF for print. Fine in theory but very difficult to achieve in practice. Webworks Publisher is the only tool I've seen that comes close.
A set of strategies and tools used to separate content and structure in stored content in order to be able to generate multiple types of documents from the same source material. This is an important component of Content Management Systems.