Subsection 4.2.1 Introduction to Blocks
A division (Section 3.1), that is not further subdivided, is primarly, but not exclusively, composed of paragraphs and blocks. We document the types of blocks here, even though we do not intend to ever provide a rigorous definition of the term. Here is a list of characteristics, which is not prescriptive.
- Visually set-off from a run of “plain” paragraphs. Often earning a number, and ideally provided a title or caption (Best Practice 4.8.0.18).
- Reflowable lines of text, such as an
<example>, or a more rigid, more spatial, more planar object, such as a<figure>or<table>. - Usually a child of a division (Section 4.6). But see just below.
- Typically a block does not contain another block, except that the more planar ones can appear as part of a more textual one.
- When numbered, all blocks generally run consecutively. (In LaTeX-speak, “on the same counter.”) Numbering FIGURE-LIKE and PROJECT-LIKE independently is in transition at this writing (2021-07-07).
- Depending on the output format of your document, some block types may be initially hidden to improve the visual flow. The reader must click on the heading for the block to reveal its contents. You can change this behavior by configuring your publication file. See Section 44.4. We will make note of the elements that are hidden by default for HTML output.
The following is somewhat general, and we have not extensively cross-referenced to the particular types of blocks, so use the Table of Contents or the Index to learn more specifics.
