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What has been used to create the JavaHelp?
Is it necessary to continue producing JavaHelp? Very often WebHelp can be used and that is much easier to work with. There is some information about JavaHelp on my site that covers this aspect.
See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips
Hi Kathy.
When you say they used "JavaHelp to create their help system" do you mean they generated HTML files directly from the Java application? If so, I guess you do not have access to any other sort of help file source. I ask because JavaHelp is just one of the output types you can create from RoboHelp and if you had the RoboHelp project source files, things would be easier.
Assuming you haven't, I'd create a brand new project from the File > New > Project menu. Then use the File > Import > HTML/XHTML Files menu to import the required HTML files. You'll find your project already has a style sheet and map file built in. You can apply this to the topics or build your own. If you have one already, copy this manually into the project directory in Windows Explorer and set this via each topic's properties. You can multi-select topics if this helps. You can also import map files but let's leave that for now!
 | The RoboColum(n) |  | @robocolumn |  | Colum McAndrew |
Hi Kathy.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that just because your application is in Java that you need JavaHelp. When I arrived here I was horrified to see that had done just that with one product and did everything I could to get them to realise their mistake. If you want a list of the reasons I gave, click here. I really would suggest that you go back and convince the powers that make the decision to change their minds. Sure it will require some work on their part but believe me you and they won't regret it. JavaHelp is truly awful!
Once you have done that, I also urge you to get some RoboHelp training. For what you are trying to achieve you will need a lot of hand holding. Whilst these forums may provide part of that answer, some training or books would give you an enormous head start.
| | The RoboColum(n) | | @robocolumn | | Colum McAndrew |
The article on my site that I pointed you to suggests WebHelp. The developers will have to change their calls.
See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips
What output you choose will depend on where it sits. WebHelp is a good option for web or intranet based output. If you are installing locally, Microsoft HTML Help (.CHM file) is normally the way to go. WebHelp allows a fair degree of customisation over the look and feel and also has better capability for large help systems. That said, CHM files also cope well with large help systems and require slightly less set-up. With WebHelp you have to consider which skin to use although you can always use the default skin built into each RH project.
As for your developers, things to consider is how the help will be called and will be different depending on the output. Webhelp offers a few different ways of calling the help whereas there is really only one with CHM files. You'll also need to think of whether your application has context senstitive (F1) help to link directly to a topic. You can import a map file or just manually edit the existing default map file. Bare in mid that with WebHelp output you may not need a map file at all (see the Calling WebHelp link below).
Have a peruse of these links:
- RoboHelp Output Types
- Merging WebHelp - Merged projects maybe something you need to consider if your project is large.
| | The RoboColum(n) | | @robocolumn | | Colum McAndrew |
CHM files on Solaris and Windows should be fine. How many HTML files will there be? You'll need to think about the help file structure and whether you need more than one RoboHelp Project but the answer to the first question will help us help you there.
| | The RoboColum(n) | | @robocolumn | | Colum McAndrew |
I know Colum is not around today.
That number of topics in that number of folders should be fine from the technical point of view but I would personally have some sub-folders just to make it more manageable.
On courses, I suggest Rick might be the person. I am sure he will pop along shortly. 
See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips
Thank you so much for your reply. I saw the time and assumed you'd have the
weekend off!
I haven't presented the CHM option yet because I know my boss is convinced
that we have to use JavaHelp so I want to learn more first.
I am located in Texas.
In case it matters... I am a real literal thinker so if you know a trainer
like that, it would probably be best.
Thank you,
Kathy
Hi Kathy
I'm the guy they keep referring to. I've been using RoboHelp since version 2 back in 1992. As mentioned elsewhere, I do offer a training guide. I use this guide for my own classes as well as sell it for others to learn RoboHelp on their own. I've heard comments back from happy users that claim it's actually better than another guide that is widely used.
I'd be willing to work with you on a piecemeal basis if you like where you would be able to ask any questions and I'll be happy to answer.
My site is in my sig lines.
Cheers... Rick
| Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7, 8 or 9 within the day! |
Hi Kathy
Unfortunately I'm tied up tomorrow through Friday facilitating a RoboHelp class via the internet. I'll be available sometime after 5:00 PM central.
Cheers... Rick
| Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7, 8 or 9 within the day! |
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