What is the @base attribute used in attribute specialization?

[ann.jensen]

Hi,
I have been reading that one of the approaches to create a specialized attribute is to create one based on the @base attribute.
What does the @base attribute represent and is there anywhere I can read about it to understand which elements such a specialized attribute will be associated with by default?
Thanks in advance,
Ann

[Radu]

Hi Ann,

From what I know the @base attribute is present just for inheritance purpose so it should not be set directly on elements:
https://www.oxygenxml.com/dita/1.3/spec ... butes.html
Profiling attributes are allowed on most DITA elements, I think they are not allowed on the DITA <entry> element as you cannot filter out a CALS table's columns.

Regards,
Radu

[chrispitude]

Hi Ann,

My understanding of DITA attribute specialization is as follows:

• If you will filter with it using DITAVAL, specialize from @props.
• If not, specialize from @base.