What are DITA Topics?

DITA topics are the basic units of DITA content.  DITA specifies three basic topic types: Task, Concept and Reference. Each of the three basic topic types is a specialization of a generic Topic type, which contains a title element, a prolog element for metadata, and a body element. The body element contains paragraph, table, and list elements, similar to HTML.

• A Task topic is intended for a procedure that describes how to accomplish a task. A Task topic lists a series of steps that users follow to produce an intended outcome.
• Concept information is more objective, containing definitions, rules, and guidelines.
• A Reference topic is for topics that describe command syntax, programming instructions, and other reference material, and usually contains detailed, factual material.