Help:Extension installation

Help:Extension installation

This page provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on installing extensions in MediaWiki. Extensions are powerful tools that add functionality to your wiki beyond the core features. They can range from simple things like adding a table of contents to more complex features like integration with external databases or advanced editing tools. This guide will walk you through the process, covering prerequisites, different installation methods, troubleshooting, and important security considerations.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

Access to the server: You need access to the server where your MediaWiki installation resides. This usually means access to the file system via FTP, SSH, or a file manager provided by your hosting provider. Crucially, you need the ability to upload and modify files in the `extensions/` directory.
Administrative access to MediaWiki: You’ll need a user account with administrative privileges (typically the 'Bureaucrat' user group) to configure MediaWiki to use the installed extension.
Backup: *Always* create a full backup of your MediaWiki installation (database and files) before making any changes, especially when installing extensions. This is vital for recovery in case something goes wrong. Consider using tools like Manual:Backups for this purpose.
PHP and Server Compatibility: Verify that the extension you intend to install is compatible with your MediaWiki version and your server's PHP version. The extension's documentation will usually specify the required PHP version (e.g., PHP 7.4 or higher). Incompatibility can lead to errors or even a broken wiki. Check your PHP version using `php -v` on the server (if you have shell access) or through your hosting provider's control panel.
Understanding of File Permissions: Ensure that the web server user (e.g., `www-data` on Debian/Ubuntu systems) has the necessary permissions to read and execute files in the `extensions/` directory. Incorrect permissions can prevent the extension from functioning correctly.

Methods of Installation

There are several ways to install extensions in MediaWiki. We will cover the most common methods:

1. Manual Installation (Recommended for Beginners):

This method involves downloading the extension files and manually uploading them to the `extensions/` directory on your server.

Download the Extension: Download the extension package (typically a `.tar.gz` or `.zip` file) from the MediaWiki Extension Directory.
Upload the Extension: Using FTP, SSH, or your hosting provider’s file manager, upload the downloaded archive to the `extensions/` directory within your MediaWiki installation. *Do not* extract the archive before uploading.
Extract the Archive: Extract the archive directly on the server. You can usually do this using SSH: `tar -xvzf extension_name.tar.gz` or `unzip extension_name.zip`. If using a file manager, it usually has an extract function. This will create a directory named after the extension inside the `extensions/` directory.
Configure the Extension: Edit your `LocalSettings.php` file (located in the root directory of your MediaWiki installation). Add the following line, replacing `ExtensionName` with the actual name of the extension’s directory:

```php require_once "$IP/extensions/ExtensionName/Extension.php"; ```

Apply Changes: Save the `LocalSettings.php` file. You may need to purge the cache of your wiki to see the changes. You can do this by visiting `Special:Purge` or by manually deleting the cache directory (usually `cache/` in your MediaWiki installation).

2. Using the Extension Manager (Requires MediaWiki 1.34 or later):

The Extension Manager provides a web-based interface for installing and managing extensions. It simplifies the process significantly.

Access the Extension Manager: Log in to your wiki as an administrator and navigate to `Special:ExtensionManager`.
Search for the Extension: Use the search box to find the extension you want to install.
Install the Extension: Click the "Install" button next to the extension. The Extension Manager will automatically download and install the extension, and update your `LocalSettings.php` file. You may be prompted for your server's FTP credentials.
Configure the Extension: Some extensions require additional configuration after installation. The Extension Manager will usually provide instructions or links to the extension's documentation.

3. Git Installation (Advanced):

This method is suitable for developers and users familiar with Git version control.

Navigate to the Extensions Directory: Using SSH, navigate to the `extensions/` directory on your server.
Clone the Repository: Use the `git clone` command to clone the extension's Git repository:

```bash git clone https://github.com/example/extension_name.git ```

Replace `https://github.com/example/extension_name.git` with the actual Git repository URL.

Configure the Extension: Edit your `LocalSettings.php` file as described in the manual installation method.
Update the Extension: To update the extension to the latest version, navigate to the extension's directory and run `git pull`.

Configuration

After installing an extension, you often need to configure it to work correctly. This typically involves:

Editing `LocalSettings.php` : Many extensions require you to add specific configuration settings to your `LocalSettings.php` file. The extension's documentation will provide detailed instructions.
Creating Configuration Pages: Some extensions create special pages within your wiki (e.g., `Special:MyExtensionSettings`) where you can configure the extension's settings through a web interface.
Database Configuration: Certain extensions may require you to create or modify database tables to store their data. The extension's documentation will provide the necessary SQL scripts. Be exceedingly careful when modifying the database directly. Manual:Database administration provides more information.
Permissions and User Groups: Some extensions introduce new user groups or require specific permissions to be granted to users.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems after installing an extension, here are some troubleshooting steps:

Check the Error Logs: Examine your web server's error logs (usually located in `/var/log/apache2/error.log` or `/var/log/httpd/error_log` on Linux systems) for any PHP errors or other messages related to the extension.
Enable Debugging: Enable debugging in your `LocalSettings.php` file by setting `$wgDebug = true;`. This will display more detailed error messages on the wiki. *Remember to disable debugging after troubleshooting for security reasons.*
Purge the Cache: As mentioned earlier, purging the cache can often resolve issues caused by outdated cached files.
Check File Permissions: Ensure that the web server user has the necessary permissions to read and execute the extension's files.
Verify PHP Version: Confirm that your server's PHP version meets the extension's requirements.
Review the Extension Documentation: Carefully review the extension's documentation for any known issues, configuration instructions, or troubleshooting tips.
Check the MediaWiki Forums: Search the MediaWiki users mailing list and the MediaWiki Forum for solutions to common problems.
Disable Other Extensions: Temporarily disable other extensions to see if there's a conflict. If disabling an extension resolves the issue, you'll need to identify the conflicting extensions and find a solution.

Security Considerations

Installing extensions can introduce security vulnerabilities to your wiki. It's crucial to follow these security best practices:

Install Extensions from Trusted Sources: Only install extensions from the official MediaWiki Extension Directory or from reputable developers.
Keep Extensions Updated: Regularly update your extensions to the latest versions to patch security vulnerabilities.
Review Extension Code: If you're a developer, review the extension's code before installing it to ensure it doesn't contain any malicious code.
Limit User Permissions: Grant users only the minimum necessary permissions to access and use the extension.
Regularly Back Up Your Wiki: As mentioned earlier, regular backups are essential for recovering from security breaches or other disasters.
Monitor Your Wiki for Suspicious Activity: Keep an eye on your wiki's logs for any unusual activity that could indicate a security breach.

Common Indicators and Trends in Extension Use

**Popularity:** Extensions like VisualEditor, Semantic MediaWiki, and AbusePrevention are consistently popular, indicating their broad utility. Monitoring downloads and active installations on the Extension Directory ([1]) provides insight into trends.
**Security Updates:** Frequent security updates for an extension suggest it's actively maintained and potentially a target for attackers. While regular updates are good, a high frequency can indicate underlying vulnerabilities.
**Dependency Analysis:** Examine the dependencies of an extension. Vulnerabilities in dependencies can indirectly affect the extension's security. Use tools like dependency checkers for PHP to assess this risk.
**Community Support:** A large and active community surrounding an extension suggests it's well-maintained and has a good track record. Check the extension’s talk page and mailing list activity.
**Code Quality Metrics:** While requiring technical expertise, analyzing code quality metrics (e.g., cyclomatic complexity, code coverage) can give insights into the maintainability and potential for bugs.
**Trend Analysis:** Monitoring the number of new extensions released each month can indicate the level of innovation within the MediaWiki ecosystem. The types of extensions being developed can also reveal emerging trends.
**Strategic Implementation:** Consider the strategic value of an extension. Does it align with your wiki’s goals and improve user experience? A poorly chosen extension can hinder rather than help.
**Technical Debt Assessment:** Be aware of the potential for technical debt associated with an extension. Complex extensions may require significant effort to maintain and upgrade.
**Performance Monitoring:** After installation, monitor your wiki's performance to ensure the extension doesn't introduce performance bottlenecks. Use tools like New Relic or Blackfire.io.
**Risk Mitigation Strategies:** Develop a risk mitigation strategy for each extension, including backup procedures, security monitoring, and a plan for disabling the extension if necessary.
**Integration Strategies:** Consider how the extension integrates with other extensions and your wiki’s existing features. Poor integration can lead to conflicts and usability issues.
**Scalability Analysis:** For large wikis, assess the extension’s scalability. Can it handle a large number of users and pages without performance degradation?
**User Adoption Rates:** Track user adoption rates after installing an extension. Low adoption may indicate that the extension isn't meeting user needs.
**Cost-Benefit Analysis:** Evaluate the costs (development, maintenance, security risks) versus the benefits (improved functionality, user experience) of each extension.
**Regular Audits:** Conduct regular security audits of your MediaWiki installation, including the extensions you have installed.
**Threat Modeling:** Identify potential threats to your wiki and assess the likelihood and impact of each threat.
**Vulnerability Scanning:** Use vulnerability scanning tools to identify known vulnerabilities in your MediaWiki installation and extensions.
**Penetration Testing:** Consider conducting penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks and identify security weaknesses.
**Incident Response Plan:** Develop an incident response plan for handling security breaches.
**Compliance Requirements:** Ensure that your wiki and extensions comply with relevant data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR).
**Long-Term Maintenance Strategy:** Develop a long-term maintenance strategy for your extensions, including regular updates, security monitoring, and a plan for replacing outdated extensions.
**Alternative Solutions:** Before installing an extension, explore alternative solutions, such as custom code or alternative workflows.
**Documentation Quality:** Assess the quality of the extension’s documentation. Poor documentation can make it difficult to install, configure, and maintain the extension.
**Licensing Terms:** Review the extension’s licensing terms to ensure they are compatible with your wiki’s usage requirements.
**Future Proofing:** Consider the long-term viability of the extension. Is it actively maintained? Is it likely to be compatible with future versions of MediaWiki?

Manual:Configuration, Manual:Upgrading, Manual:Backups, Special:ExtensionManager, Manual:Database administration, Help:Contents

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