Creating Your First Article in MediaWiki

Creating Your First Article in MediaWiki

MediaWiki is a free and open-source software platform used to create wikis, including the popular and widely used encyclopedia Wikipedia. It allows users to collaboratively create and edit articles using a simple markup language. If you are new to MediaWiki and are looking to create your first article, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Accessing the Wiki

To begin, access the wiki website where you want to create your article. If you don’t have an account, create one by clicking on the “Create account” link and filling in the necessary information.

2. Creating a New Page

Once you have logged in, you can create a new page by clicking on the “Create” tab at the top of the webpage.

3. Choosing a Title

Choose a title for your article that accurately reflects its content. It is best to keep titles short and concise.

4. Adding Content

The content of your article should be well-researched and written in a clear and informative manner.

5. Formatting the Article

Use the toolbar at the top of the editing window to format your text. You can apply headings, bold or italicize text, and create lists using the provided options.

6. Adding Links

To add links to other pages within the wiki, use double square brackets around the page title, like this: [[Page title]]. To link to external websites, use single square brackets and include the full URL, like this: [http://www.example.com].

7. Adding Images and Media

To add images or media to your article, use the “Upload file” option in the toolbar or use existing files by using the “Insert” option.

8. Previewing and Saving the Article

Before saving your article, preview it to make sure everything looks as you intended. Once you are satisfied, click on the “Save” button to publish your article.

What are the Best Practices for Creating an Article in MediaWiki?

To create a high-quality article in MediaWiki, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Use Clear and Concise Language

Be sure to use clear and concise language to convey your message effectively.

2. Organize Content with Headings

Use headings to organize and break up your content into sections. This makes it easier for readers to navigate and find information.

3. Use Templates and Infoboxes

Templates and infoboxes can help to structure your article and make it more visually appealing.

4. Cite Sources and Provide References

If you are referencing information from external sources, be sure to cite them and provide references for readers to further explore the topic.

5. Collaborate with Others

One of the main advantages of MediaWiki is the ability to collaborate with others. Use this feature to your advantage by seeking feedback and incorporating suggestions to improve your article.

What are Some Tips for Formatting an Article in MediaWiki?

Here are some tips to help you format your article in MediaWiki:

1. Use Wiki Markup

Familiarize yourself with wiki markup, as this is the language used to format text and add links and other elements in MediaWiki.

2. Use Bullets and Numbered Lists

Bullets and numbered lists can help to organize information and make it easier for readers to understand.

3. Use Tables for Organizing Information

Use tables to present information in a clear and organized manner. This is especially useful for comparing data or statistics.

Key Takeaways:

 

• MediaWiki is a popular platform for creating and editing articles.
• Follow simple steps to create an article: access the wiki, create a new page, choose a title, add content, format, add links, images, preview, and save.
• Use best practices such as clear language, headings, templates, citing sources, and collaboration for creating quality articles on MediaWiki.

 

What is MediaWiki?

MediaWiki is a free and open-source wiki software that allows users to collaborate on creating and editing content through a web browser. It is most famous for being the software used by Wikipedia, the well-known online encyclopedia. With MediaWiki, users can easily create and manage knowledge bases, documentation websites, and community-driven information resources.

It offers a variety of powerful features for organizing and formatting content, including the use of templates, categories, and extensions. In summary, MediaWiki provides a reliable platform for users to effectively share, collaborate, and disseminate information.

How to Create an Article in MediaWiki?

Are you new to MediaWiki and interested in creating your first article? Look no further! In this section, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating an article in MediaWiki. From accessing the wiki to formatting your article, we will cover everything you need to know to get started. So let’s dive in and learn how to create an article in MediaWiki.

1. Accessing the Wiki

• To access the MediaWiki site, open your web browser and enter its URL.
• Click on the ‘Enter’ or ‘Go’ button to navigate to the site.
• Alternatively, you can directly type the URL of the MediaWiki site in the address bar and press ‘Enter’.

2. Creating a New Page

1. Access the Wiki
2. Creating a New Page
3. Choose a title
4. Add content
5. Format the article
6. Add links
7. Add images and media
8. Preview and save the article

When creating a new page in MediaWiki, ensure to follow the guidelines for page naming conventions and content formatting. Utilize templates for consistency and provide relevant references for information credibility.

3. Choosing a Title

Ensure the title accurately reflects the content and purpose of the article.

• Keep the title concise and clear, avoiding unnecessary words or phrases.
• Use keywords relevant to the subject of the article for better search optimization.
• Verify that the title follows any specific formatting guidelines or naming conventions of the wiki.

Pro-tip: Before finalizing the title, conduct a quick search within the wiki to avoid duplication and ensure uniqueness.

4. Adding Content

1. Access the wiki and navigate to the page where you want to add content.
2. Click on the ‘Edit’ button to open the editing interface.
3. Add your content, ensuring it aligns with the article’s topic and purpose.
4. Use clear and concise language to effectively convey your message when adding content.
5. Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings.
6. Ensure that the added content complies with the wiki’s guidelines and standards.

Pro-tip: Regularly review and update the content to keep it relevant and valuable for the readers.

5. Formatting the Article

1. Access the editing interface of the article in MediaWiki.
2. Utilize wiki markup to structure the content, such as using headings and bullet points.
3. Employ tables for organizing information effectively within the article.
4. Implement categories to logically organize articles and improve navigation.
5. Format the article using various techniques, such as headings and bullet points, to make it more visually appealing and organized.

6. Adding Links

• Locate the text where you want to add a link.
• Enclose the anchor text in double square brackets, like [[Adding Links]].
• If you want to display different text than the actual page name, use [[Adding Links|6. Adding Links]].
• Save the changes to create the link.

7. Adding Images and Media

1. To add images or media to your MediaWiki page, first access the page you want to edit.
2. Click on the ‘Edit’ button to open the editing interface.
3. Place the cursor where you would like the image or media to be displayed in the article.
4. Click on the ‘Insert’ tab and select ‘Media’ to upload and insert your desired files.
5. Select the file from your device and insert it into the article.
6. Preview the changes and then save the article to publish the images or media.

8. Previewing and Saving the Article

1. Previewing the Article: Click on the ‘Preview’ button to get a glimpse of how the article will look like before saving it.
2. Saving the Article: Once you have reviewed the article, click on the ‘Save’ button to publish it on MediaWiki.

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What are the Best Practices for Creating an Article in MediaWiki?

When creating an article in MediaWiki, there are certain best practices that can help ensure a well-written and informative piece. In this section, we will discuss these practices and how they can contribute to the overall success of your article. From using clear and concise language to collaborating with others, each step plays a crucial role in creating a high-quality article. So let’s dive in and explore the best practices for creating an article in MediaWiki.

1. Use Clear and Concise Language

When creating an article in MediaWiki, it is crucial to use clear and concise language for effective communication. Follow these steps:

1. Outline your main points to maintain clarity.
2. Use simple and direct language to convey information.
3. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex terminology.

Pro-tip: Review your content from the reader’s perspective to ensure clarity and understanding.

2. Organize Content with Headings

When organizing content with headings in MediaWiki, follow these steps:

1. Access the Edit function for the desired article.
2. Identify the sections requiring headings.
3. Utilize equal signs to create headings (e.g., ==Organize Content with Headings==).
4. Use a single equal sign for the title heading (e.g., =2. Organize Content with Headings=).
5. Preview the article to ensure the headings appear as intended.
6. Save the changes to finalize the organized content.

3. Use Templates and Infoboxes

1. Access the MediaWiki page and log in to your account.
2. Click on the ‘Edit’ tab at the top of the page where you want to insert the infobox or template.
3. Decide on the type of information the template or infobox will contain and select an appropriate template or infobox.
4. Insert the code for the chosen template or infobox into the editing area.
5. Fill in the necessary parameters and details within the template or infobox code.
6. Preview the changes and save the article with the included template or infobox.

4. Cite Sources and Provide References

1. Create a comprehensive list of all sources used in gathering information for the article.
2. Verify the credibility and reliability of each source.
3. Include in-text citations for any direct quotes, statistics, or specific information used.
4. Organize the reference list according to the chosen citation style guide, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.
5. Include complete details for each source, including the author, publication date, title, and URL if applicable.

5. Collaborate with Others

• Establish clear communication channels to discuss article changes and improvements collaboratively.
• Set guidelines for collaboration, including editing permissions and responsibilities.
• Utilize talk pages or comments to exchange ideas and suggestions with other contributors.
• Provide constructive feedback and engage in open dialogue to enhance the article collectively.
• Consider using collaborative tools such as version history and tracking changes to monitor edits.

What are Some Tips for Formatting an Article in MediaWiki?

As a beginner in MediaWiki, you may be wondering how to format your first article. In this section, we will discuss some useful tips for formatting your article in MediaWiki. From using wiki markup to organizing information with tables and categories, we’ll cover the essential elements of creating a well-formatted article. These tips will not only make your article visually appealing, but also easier for readers to navigate and understand. Let’s dive in!

1. Use Wiki Markup

• Use single quotes for italicized text: italic
• Use double quotes for bold text: bold
• Use a hashtag for headings: ==Heading==
• Use asterisks for bullet points: * Point 1
• Use numbers for numbered lists: # Step 1

MediaWiki markup is essential for formatting content in MediaWiki.

1. Use Wiki Markup to properly format and organize content.

2. Use Bullets and Numbered Lists

• Access the page where you want to add the list.
• Start the line with an asterisk (*) for a bulleted list or the desired number followed by a period for a numbered list.
• Press Enter to create a new item in the list.
• Repeat the asterisk or number followed by a period for each new list item.
• Save the page to view the formatted bulleted or numbered list.

3. Use Tables for Organizing Information

1. Access the table function in MediaWiki by using the pipe (|) and dash (-) characters to create a basic table structure.
2. Specify the number of rows and columns needed within the table.
3. Use vertical bars (|) to separate content into columns and dashes (-) to create horizontal lines.
4. Enter the data and information into the designated cells within the table.
5. Save the changes and preview the table to ensure proper organization of information.

4. Use Categories to Organize Articles

• Access the ‘Edit’ button on the article page.
• Scroll down to the ‘Category’ section.
• Add the relevant categories, such as ‘Technology’, ‘Science’, or ‘History’, to the article.
• Preview the changes and ensure the categories are accurately added.
• Save the changes to effectively organize the article.

How to Edit and Update an Existing Article in MediaWiki?

As you become more familiar with MediaWiki, you may want to make updates or edits to existing articles. In this section, we will discuss the process of editing an existing article in MediaWiki. This includes accessing the edit button, making changes to the article, and previewing and saving those changes. Whether you are fixing a typo or adding new information, these simple steps will allow you to easily update any article on MediaWiki. Let’s dive in and learn how to make edits on this versatile platform.

1. Accessing the Edit Button

1. Locate the ‘Edit’ tab at the top of the article page.
2. Click on the ‘Edit’ tab to access the editing interface.
3. Review the existing content and make necessary changes.
4. Utilize the formatting tools to structure the content effectively.
5. Preview the changes before saving the edits.
6. Click ‘Save’ to update the article with your modifications.

The ‘Edit’ button in MediaWiki was introduced to simplify the process of accessing and modifying content, allowing users to contribute and enhance the collaborative nature of the platform.

2. Making Changes to the Article

• Access the Edit button located on the article page.
• Make necessary changes to the content or formatting of the article.
• Preview the changes to ensure they appear as intended.
• Save the changes to update the existing article.

When editing an article in MediaWiki, it is important to adhere to the wiki’s guidelines and make positive contributions to the content. Before saving, carefully review the changes to maintain the quality of the article.

3. Previewing and Saving the Changes

• Click on the ‘Preview’ button to see how your changes will appear.
• If satisfied with the preview, click on the ‘Save’ button to save your changes.
• After saving, your updated article will reflect the changes made.

In MediaWiki, previewing and saving the changes is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the updated content before publication.