Towards DocBook 5.2.1

I was reminded recently that a backwards incompatible change in DocBook 5.2 was reported in October, 2024! That’s a bit embarrassing.⊕I say it’s embarrassing (and it is!), but I mean, there isn’t an official maintenance organization anymore so there’s no one to blame (except me, obvs.). The OASIS TC closed in September, 2024. DocBook 5.2 should be absolutely backwards compatible with 5.1.

I’ve been vaguely aware that eventually something would have to be done about ongoing maintenance. I guess eventually is now.

Step 1, write a test that demonstrates the backwards incompatibility.

Step 2, update the build system. (I know, you wouldn’t think that was in the mix, but…)

Part of the motivation to update the build is to modernize the way testing is performed. In the course of doing that, I discovered a couple of oversights in the DocBook Schematron that weren’t being caught by the test system. Damn it.

Step 3, fix the bug. Okay, bugs.

Step 4, port the repository to Codeberg.

Step 5, publish DocBook 5.2.1.

Somewhere between step 4 and step 5, I should review the other open issues to see if there’s more low hanging fruit for 5.2.1.

I’m not sure what constitutes an official release these days, but since I own the repository and the domain name and the reference documentation, I assert I can make them! Fight⊕(Please don’t fight me.) me!