Using XML Qbits to extend onCue

If you build web sites or are aware of web developments, you have probably heard of XML. XML is an international standard for describing structured information in text files. We use it to describe patterns to recognise data and to describe things to do in onCue.

'Qbit' is onCue's name for the services it offers. XML Qbits are small specification files that say what keywords or patterns to recognise and what to do with them (often invoke a web service). Some of onCue's built-in services are included as XML files. You can add new XML Qbits into onCue to extend it, either ones you have produced yourself, or from other users.

The full range of things you can do with XML Qbits is quite complex, but the recipes below give you XML templates and basic instructions so you can make some Qbits of your own. If you have produced web pages in HTML, the XML templates shouldn't look too unfamiliar.

Better still, we will soon have aQtive wizards available on the aQtive web site that will build XML Qbits for you, making extending onCue even easier.

recipes to extend onCue

• go to specific web pages on given keywords
     - including case-sensitive keywords and simple web page services
• add links to Internet searches and services
     - including using onCue built-in types
• aQtivate your own web site with onCue
     - including appropriate design of web forms (requires knowledge of CGI scripting)
• have an aQtive Intranet!
     - including regular expressions and
multiple Qbit menu items

other XML Qbit pages

• adding XML Qbits to onCue
• distributing your Qbits to others
• troubleshooting - why doesn't my XML Qbit work?
• XML Qbit specification

If you want to do more complex things with XML Qbits, look at the full XML Qbit specification or investigate the system-defined .xml files in the aQtive directory on your system (but don't alter anything, except as described in adding your XML Qbit to onCue). If you are a programmer, see the Java Qbits in the aQtive developer pack.

Keep an eye on our developers pages, for bug reports, fixes, helpful hints, etc., or email us at developers@aqtive.com.