Extension management

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  1. Extension Management

This article provides a comprehensive guide to managing extensions in MediaWiki, targeted towards beginners. We will cover what extensions are, why you might need them, how to install, update, and uninstall them, and best practices for maintaining a stable and secure wiki.

What are MediaWiki Extensions?

MediaWiki, at its core, provides a robust platform for creating and managing a wiki. However, its functionality can be greatly expanded through the use of extensions. Extensions are pieces of software – written in PHP, and often incorporating JavaScript and CSS – that add new features to your MediaWiki installation. They can range from simple additions like adding a table of contents to every page automatically, to complex functionalities like integrating with external databases or providing advanced search capabilities.

Think of MediaWiki as a base operating system, and extensions as applications you install to customize and improve it. Without extensions, you're limited to the features built into the core MediaWiki software. With them, you can tailor your wiki to perfectly suit your specific needs.

Why Use Extensions?

There are numerous reasons to utilize extensions. Here are some key benefits:

  • **Enhanced Functionality:** Add features that aren't included in the core MediaWiki software. Examples include advanced image galleries, form creation tools, and social media integration.
  • **Customization:** Tailor the look and feel of your wiki to match your branding or user preferences. Extensions can modify templates, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • **Improved User Experience:** Make your wiki easier and more enjoyable to use for contributors and readers. Extensions can streamline editing processes, improve navigation, and add interactive elements.
  • **Integration with Other Systems:** Connect your wiki to external databases, APIs, or other software applications. This opens up possibilities for data sharing and automation.
  • **Community-Driven Development:** Many extensions are developed and maintained by the MediaWiki community, offering a wide range of options and ongoing support. This is similar to the open-source nature of the core MediaWiki software itself.
  • **Specific Use Cases:** Extensions cater to niche needs, such as scientific wikis (with extensions for mathematical formulas), gaming wikis (with extensions for character databases), or project management wikis (with extensions for task tracking).

Finding Extensions

The primary source for MediaWiki extensions is the MediaWiki Extension Directory. This directory (https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension_directory) contains a vast collection of extensions, categorized by functionality.

When browsing the directory, pay attention to the following:

  • **Description:** Carefully read the extension's description to understand its purpose and features.
  • **Dependencies:** Check if the extension requires any other extensions to function correctly.
  • **Compatibility:** Verify that the extension is compatible with your version of MediaWiki (currently 1.40). Using an incompatible extension can cause errors or security vulnerabilities.
  • **Installation Instructions:** Review the extension's installation instructions before downloading it.
  • **Maintenance Status:** Look for extensions that are actively maintained and regularly updated. This indicates that the extension is likely to be stable and secure.
  • **User Reviews/Ratings:** If available, read user reviews and ratings to get an idea of the extension's quality and usability.

Other sources for extensions include:

  • **GitHub:** Many developers host their extensions on GitHub (https://github.com/).
  • **Individual Wiki Developers:** Some developers may offer extensions directly on their websites or forums. Be cautious when installing extensions from untrusted sources.

Installing Extensions

The installation process generally involves the following steps:

1. **Download the Extension:** Download the extension's archive (usually a .tar.gz or .zip file) from the MediaWiki Extension Directory or other source. 2. **Upload the Extension Files:** Upload the contents of the archive to the `extensions/` directory of your MediaWiki installation. You can use an FTP client, SSH, or the MediaWiki interface (if you have the appropriate permissions). Create a subdirectory within `extensions/` for each extension to keep things organized. For instance, if you're installing an extension named "MyExtension", create a directory `extensions/MyExtension/`. 3. **Configure the Extension:** Most extensions require configuration to function correctly. This usually involves adding lines to your `LocalSettings.php` file. The extension's documentation will provide specific instructions on how to configure it. Typically, you'll need to `require_once` the extension's main file within `LocalSettings.php`. For example: 

  ```php
  require_once "$IP/extensions/MyExtension/MyExtension.php";
  ```

4. **Enable the Extension:** In `LocalSettings.php`, you'll also typically need to enable the extension by adding its name to the `$wgExtensions` array: 

  ```php
  $wgExtensions = array( 'MyExtension' );
  ```

5. **Clear the Cache:** After configuring and enabling the extension, you need to clear the MediaWiki cache to ensure that the changes take effect. You can do this by visiting `Special:PurgeCache` (or by manually deleting the files in the `cache/` directory). 6. **Test the Extension:** Verify that the extension is working as expected by accessing its features and functionality.

    • Important Considerations:**
  • **Permissions:** Ensure that the web server user has write access to the `extensions/` and `cache/` directories.
  • **Backup:** Always back up your `LocalSettings.php` file and your entire MediaWiki installation before installing any extensions. This will allow you to restore your wiki to a working state if something goes wrong.
  • **Security:** Only install extensions from trusted sources. Review the extension's code and documentation to understand its functionality and potential security risks.
  • **PHP Version:** Confirm that the extension is compatible with your PHP version. MediaWiki 1.40 requires PHP 7.4 or higher.

Updating Extensions

Extensions are often updated to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Keeping your extensions up to date is crucial for maintaining a stable and secure wiki.

The update process is similar to the installation process:

1. **Download the New Version:** Download the latest version of the extension from the MediaWiki Extension Directory or other source. 2. **Backup the Existing Extension:** Back up the existing extension directory in `extensions/`. This allows you to revert to the previous version if necessary. 3. **Replace the Extension Files:** Replace the existing extension files with the files from the new version. 4. **Review Configuration Changes:** Check the extension's documentation for any changes to the configuration settings. Update your `LocalSettings.php` file accordingly. 5. **Clear the Cache:** Clear the MediaWiki cache. 6. **Test the Extension:** Verify that the updated extension is working correctly.

Some extensions may provide automated update mechanisms. Check the extension's documentation for details. Consider using a version control system (like Git) to manage your extensions and make updates easier.

Uninstalling Extensions

If you no longer need an extension, you can uninstall it. The process is relatively straightforward:

1. **Remove the Extension Configuration:** Remove the lines from your `LocalSettings.php` file that configure and enable the extension. 2. **Delete the Extension Directory:** Delete the extension's directory from the `extensions/` directory. 3. **Clear the Cache:** Clear the MediaWiki cache.

    • Important Considerations:**
  • **Data Loss:** Uninstalling an extension may result in the loss of data that was created or stored by the extension. Back up any important data before uninstalling the extension.
  • **Broken Links:** Uninstalling an extension may break links or functionality that relied on the extension. Review your wiki content and update any broken links or references.

Best Practices for Extension Management

  • **Minimize the Number of Extensions:** Only install extensions that are absolutely necessary. Each extension adds complexity to your wiki and increases the risk of conflicts or security vulnerabilities. Consider whether a desired functionality can be achieved through alternative means, such as custom CSS or JavaScript.
  • **Keep Extensions Up to Date:** Regularly update your extensions to benefit from bug fixes, performance improvements, and security updates.
  • **Monitor Extension Activity:** Pay attention to any errors or warnings related to extensions in your MediaWiki error logs.
  • **Test Extensions in a Development Environment:** Before installing an extension on your production wiki, test it thoroughly in a development environment. This will help you identify any potential problems before they affect your live wiki.
  • **Document Your Extensions:** Keep a record of all the extensions installed on your wiki, along with their versions and configuration settings. This will make it easier to manage and troubleshoot your wiki in the future.
  • **Regularly Review Extensions:** Periodically review the extensions installed on your wiki to ensure that they are still needed and that they are compatible with your current version of MediaWiki.
  • **Security Audits:** Conduct regular security audits of your wiki to identify and address any potential security vulnerabilities. Pay particular attention to extensions, as they can be a common source of vulnerabilities.
  • **Use a Version Control System:** Manage your `LocalSettings.php` file and extension configurations using a version control system like Git. This will allow you to track changes, revert to previous versions, and collaborate with other administrators.
  • **Understand Dependencies:** Be aware of the dependencies between extensions. Installing or updating one extension may require you to update other extensions as well.
  • **Stay Informed:** Keep up to date with the latest news and security alerts related to MediaWiki and its extensions. Subscribe to the MediaWiki mailing lists and follow the MediaWiki blog.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • **White Screen of Death:** A white screen often indicates a PHP error. Check your MediaWiki error logs for details. The error may be caused by an incompatible extension, a configuration error, or a missing dependency.
  • **Extension Not Working:** Verify that the extension is properly installed and configured in `LocalSettings.php`. Clear the cache and try again. Check the extension's documentation for troubleshooting tips.
  • **Conflicts Between Extensions:** If two extensions conflict with each other, try disabling one of them to see if the problem is resolved. Consult the extension documentation for information about known conflicts.
  • **Performance Issues:** Some extensions can significantly impact your wiki's performance. If you experience performance issues, try disabling extensions one by one to identify the culprit.
  • **Security Vulnerabilities:** If you suspect that an extension has a security vulnerability, disable it immediately and report the issue to the extension developer.

Advanced Topics

  • **Extension Development:** If you have programming experience, you can develop your own extensions to customize MediaWiki to your specific needs. The MediaWiki Developer Documentation (https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Developer_documentation) provides detailed information on extension development.
  • **API Integration:** Extensions can be used to integrate your wiki with external APIs, allowing you to access and display data from other sources.
  • **Hooks:** Extensions can use hooks to modify the behavior of MediaWiki at various points in the execution flow.
  • **Special Pages:** Extensions can add custom special pages to provide additional functionality.

This article provides a foundation for understanding and managing extensions in MediaWiki. By following these guidelines, you can effectively extend the functionality of your wiki and create a powerful and customized platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Remember to always prioritize security and stability when installing and managing extensions.

Special:MyLanguage Help:Contents Manual:Configuration Manual:Extensions Manual:FAQ MediaWiki Help:Installing MediaWiki Help:Upgrading MediaWiki Help:Skinning Help:Templates

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