Broken link

Broken Link

A broken link (also known as a dead link, link rot, or hyperlink error) is a hyperlink that no longer functions correctly. This means clicking on the link does not lead the user to the intended destination. Broken links are a common problem on the internet, and within MediaWiki installations, they can significantly degrade the user experience and undermine the credibility of the wiki. This article provides a detailed explanation of broken links, their causes, how to identify them, how to fix them, and strategies for preventing them in a wiki.

Understanding Broken Links

At its core, a hyperlink is a reference from one resource to another. This reference is built using a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). When a user clicks on a hyperlink, their browser requests the resource at that URL. A broken link occurs when that request fails. This failure can happen for a variety of reasons, which we'll explore below. It’s important to understand that a broken link isn’t necessarily a permanent condition; a link that is broken today can be fixed tomorrow if the destination resource is restored. However, prolonged broken links create negative consequences for both users and the platform hosting the links.

Causes of Broken Links

Several factors contribute to the creation of broken links. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective prevention and repair:

Website Changes/Removal: The most common cause. The webpage the link points to has been moved to a new URL, deleted, or the entire website has been taken offline. This can happen due to website redesigns, domain name changes, content restructuring, or simply the website owner deciding to remove the content. This is particularly common with resources like news articles or promotional pages.
Incorrect URL Entry: A simple typo when initially creating the link. Even a single incorrect character can render a link unusable. This is a frequent issue when links are manually entered rather than copied and pasted.
Server Errors: Temporary issues with the server hosting the destination website. These could include server downtime, maintenance, or technical glitches. These are often temporary and the link may resolve itself after a period.
Content Moved Without Redirection: A website owner moves a page but doesn't set up a redirect from the old URL to the new one. This is a common mistake that leaves a trail of broken links. Proper redirection (using 301 or 302 redirects) is essential for maintaining link integrity.
File Name Changes: If the link points to a specific file (e.g., a PDF document, an image), and the file name is changed on the server, the link will break.
Protocol Changes: A website migrates from HTTP to HTTPS (or vice-versa) and doesn’t implement proper redirects. This can break links that use the old protocol.
Broken External Websites: The target website itself becomes unavailable. This is outside of your control, but it impacts your wiki's link quality.
Link Rot: Over time, websites become outdated, and content is removed, leading to an accumulation of broken links. This is a natural process, but requires ongoing maintenance.

Identifying Broken Links in MediaWiki

MediaWiki provides several tools and methods for identifying broken links:

The "Deadlink" Category:: MediaWiki has a built-in feature that automatically categorizes pages containing broken external links into the "Deadlink" category. This category is created by default, or can be created if it doesn't exist. This is a convenient way to find pages needing attention.
External Link Checker Tools: Several extensions are available for MediaWiki that automate the process of checking for broken links. Popular options include:

   * BrokenLinksExtension:: A widely used extension that scans pages for broken external links and reports them. It can highlight broken links on pages and generate reports.  It is generally considered the most comprehensive option. BrokenLinks Extension Documentation
   * LinkChecker:: Another extension that provides link checking functionality, offering features like customizable reporting and scheduling. LinkChecker Extension Documentation

Manual Review: While time-consuming, manually reviewing pages and clicking on links is a reliable way to identify broken links. This is particularly useful for important pages or sections of the wiki.
Special:BrokenLinks:: This special page, available in MediaWiki, lists all pages with broken external links. Special:BrokenLinks documentation
Using Online Link Checkers:: Numerous online tools can crawl your wiki and identify broken links. Some popular options include:

   * Dr. Link Check: [1]
   * Broken Link Check: [2]
   * W3C Link Checker: [3]

Fixing Broken Links

Once broken links have been identified, the next step is to fix them. The appropriate course of action depends on the cause of the broken link:

Update the URL: If the destination webpage has moved to a new URL, update the link to point to the new location. This is the most common and straightforward solution.
Find an Archived Version: If the original webpage is no longer available but has been archived by services like the Wayback Machine, link to the archived version. The Wayback Machine (Wayback Machine) is a valuable resource for finding historical versions of websites.
Remove the Link: If the information is no longer relevant or a suitable replacement cannot be found, remove the link entirely. This is preferable to leaving a broken link in place.
Replace with Alternative Source: If the original source is unavailable, find a different, reliable source that provides similar information and link to that instead.
Contact the Website Owner: If you believe the link is broken due to a temporary issue or a mistake on the website's end, you can try contacting the website owner to notify them.
Restore from Backup: If the broken link was caused by an accidental edit on the wiki, you might be able to restore the page to a previous version from a backup.
Correct Typos: If the broken link was caused by a typo, simply correct the URL.

When editing links within MediaWiki, remember to use the correct syntax: `Link text`.

Preventing Broken Links

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the number of broken links on your wiki:

Use Stable URLs: Whenever possible, link to stable URLs that are less likely to change. Avoid linking to dynamic URLs that include session IDs or other temporary parameters.
Link to Official Sources: Prefer linking to official websites and reputable sources. These are generally more reliable and less prone to disappearing.
Use Redirection Properly:: If you move or rename pages on your website, always set up 301 redirects from the old URL to the new one. This ensures that links to the old URL continue to function.
Regularly Check for Broken Links:: Implement a schedule for regularly checking your wiki for broken links using automated tools like the BrokenLinks extension. Monthly or quarterly checks are a good starting point.
Monitor External Websites: Keep an eye on the websites you link to. If you notice a website is frequently changing its structure or content, consider finding alternative sources.
Archive Important Links:: For critical links that you anticipate might disappear in the future, archive the content using the Wayback Machine or similar services.
Be Careful with Copy-Pasting: When copying and pasting links from other sources, double-check that the URL is correct and complete.
Encourage Users to Report Broken Links:: Provide a mechanism for users to report broken links they encounter on the wiki. This can help you identify and fix issues quickly.
Utilize Template Systems:: If you frequently link to the same resources, consider creating templates to ensure consistency and make it easier to update links if necessary.

Advanced Considerations

Link Rot and Long-Term Preservation:: Link rot is an inevitable part of the internet. Strategies like archiving and using persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs for scholarly articles) can help mitigate its effects.
SEO Implications:: Broken links can negatively impact your wiki's search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines penalize websites with a high number of broken links.
User Experience (UX): Broken links create a frustrating user experience. A well-maintained wiki with functioning links demonstrates professionalism and respect for users.
Analyzing Link Patterns:: Identifying patterns in broken links (e.g., links to a specific website consistently breaking) can help you prioritize your maintenance efforts.
Using API for Automated Checks:: The MediaWiki API can be used to programmatically check for broken links and automate the repair process.

Resources & Further Reading

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