Help:Links

1. Help:Links

This page provides a comprehensive guide to creating and using links within the MediaWiki environment, specifically tailored for beginners. Understanding how to create links is fundamental to building a navigable and interconnected wiki. We will cover internal links (linking to other pages *within* your wiki), external links (linking to websites *outside* your wiki), and more advanced linking techniques. This guide assumes you are using MediaWiki version 1.40, though the core concepts apply to most versions.

What are Links?

Links are the cornerstone of a wiki, allowing users to easily move between related pages and access external resources. They transform static text into a dynamic network of information. Without links, a wiki is simply a collection of isolated pages. Effective linking improves usability, encourages exploration, and fosters a richer understanding of the content.

Internal Links

Internal links, also known as wikilinks, connect one page within your wiki to another. They are created using double square brackets around the desired page title.

Syntax: `Page Title`

For example, to link to the page "Help:Contents", you would write: `Help:Contents`. This will render as Help:Contents. Clicking on this link will take you to the Help:Contents page.

Dealing with Ambiguity and Namespaces:

If a page title is ambiguous (i.e., multiple pages share the same name, potentially in different namespaces), you can clarify which page you intend to link to by using the namespace prefix. Namespaces categorize pages within the wiki. Common namespaces include "Help:", "User:", and "File:".

For example, to link to a user page named "ExampleUser", you would write: `User:ExampleUser`. This renders as User:ExampleUser.

Linking to Sections within a Page:

You can link directly to a specific section within a page using the hash symbol (#) followed by the section heading. The section heading must be exactly as it appears on the page.

Syntax: `Page Title#Section Heading`

For example, to link to the "What are Links?" section of this page, you would write: `Help:Links#What are Links?`. This renders as Help:Links#What are Links?.

Changing the Link Text:

By default, internal links display the page title as the link text. However, you can customize the displayed text using the pipe symbol (|).

Syntax: `Link Text`

For example, `See the Help Contents` renders as See the Help Contents. This allows you to create more descriptive and contextually relevant links.

External Links

External links connect your wiki to websites outside of it. They are created using standard HTML link syntax.

Syntax: `Link Text`

For example, `Wikipedia` renders as Wikipedia. The first part within the square brackets is the URL, and the second part is the text that will be displayed as the link.

Using the `http:` or `https:` Prefix:

Always include `http://` or `https://` at the beginning of the URL. If you omit this, the link may not work correctly. `https://` is generally preferred for security reasons.

Linking to Email Addresses:

You can create a link that opens the user's default email client with the specified email address in the "To:" field.

Syntax: `Email Us` renders as Email Us.

Advanced Linking Techniques

Beyond basic internal and external links, MediaWiki offers several advanced linking techniques.

Interwikis:

Interwikis allow you to link to pages on *other* wikis. This requires configuring interwiki prefixes in your wiki's configuration. Once configured, you can use a short prefix followed by the page title on the other wiki.

Example (assuming an interwiki prefix "enwikt" is configured for the English Wiktionary): `Example on Wiktionary` renders as Example on Wiktionary.

Red Links:

A red link indicates a page that does not yet exist. Clicking on a red link will typically take you to a page where you can create the missing page. Red links are useful for identifying topics that need further development.

Broken Links:

A broken link is a link that points to a page that no longer exists (either internally or externally). Regularly checking for and fixing broken links is important for maintaining a healthy and usable wiki. There are extensions available to help identify broken links.

Link Classes (CSS Styling):

While beyond the scope of *creating* links, it's important to know that links can be styled using CSS. This allows you to customize the appearance of links (color, font, etc.). This is typically handled by administrators and template creators.

Best Practices for Linking

• **Be Specific:** Link to the most relevant page or section. Avoid vague or overly broad links.
• **Use Descriptive Link Text:** The link text should clearly indicate where the link will take the user.
• **Avoid Overlinking:** Too many links can be distracting. Only link when it adds value to the content.
• **Check Your Links:** Regularly verify that your links are working correctly. Broken links create a poor user experience.
• **Consider Context:** Ensure the link is relevant to the surrounding text.
• **Use Internal Links Frequently:** Internal linking is key to building a cohesive wiki.
• **Don't Link to Itself:** Avoid linking a page to itself. This is generally redundant and can cause issues.
• **Maintain Consistency:** Use a consistent linking style throughout your wiki.

Linking and Technical Analysis

Linking is crucial for organizing information about Technical Analysis. For example, linking terms like Moving Average, Relative Strength Index, and Bollinger Bands allows users to quickly access detailed explanations. A page about Chart Patterns would benefit from links to individual patterns like Head and Shoulders, Double Top, and Triangles. Further links could connect to discussions of Fibonacci Retracements and Elliott Wave Theory.

Linking and Trading Strategies

Organizing trading strategies relies heavily on links. A main page on Trading Strategies could link to specific strategies like Day Trading, Swing Trading, and Scalping. Each strategy page could then link to related concepts like Risk Management, Position Sizing, and Candlestick Patterns. Links to resources on Trend Following, Mean Reversion, and Breakout Trading are also essential.

Linking and Market Trends

Understanding market trends requires access to information, and links are vital. A page on Market Trends should link to discussions of Uptrends, Downtrends, and Sideways Trends. Links to articles on Support and Resistance Levels, Trendlines, and Volume Analysis are also crucial. Further linking could cover concepts like Market Sentiment and Economic Indicators.

Linking and Trading Indicators

A comprehensive wiki on trading must link to various indicators. A page on Trading Indicators could link to detailed explanations of MACD, Stochastic Oscillator, Average True Range (ATR), and On Balance Volume (OBV). Links to discussions of Momentum Indicators, Volatility Indicators, and Volume Indicators are also essential. Pages for specific indicators should link to their formulas and interpretations. A link to Ichimoku Cloud would also be valuable.

Linking and Risk Management

Effective risk management necessitates clear links to related topics. A page on Risk Management should link to sections on Stop-Loss Orders, Take-Profit Orders, Position Sizing, Diversification, and Risk-Reward Ratio. Links to articles on Hedging and Capital Preservation are also important. Further linking could address concepts like Drawdown and Volatility Risk.

Linking and Fundamental Analysis

While this guide focuses on linking, it's worth noting its importance in organizing information about Fundamental Analysis. Links to resources on Financial Statements, Economic News, Company Valuation, and Industry Analysis are crucial for a complete understanding.

Linking and Forex Trading

For a wiki focused on Forex trading, links to pages on Currency Pairs, Forex Brokers, Margin Trading, and Pip Value are essential. A section on Forex News should link to relevant economic calendars and news sources.

Linking and Cryptocurrency Trading

Similarly, for cryptocurrency trading, links to pages on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, and Blockchain Technology are vital.

Linking and Options Trading

Linking is useful for explaining complex options strategies. A page on Options Trading should link to explanations of Call Options, Put Options, Straddles, Strangles, and Covered Calls. Links to resources on Options Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega) are also essential.

Linking and Futures Trading

For futures trading, links to pages on Futures Contracts, Commodity Futures, Financial Futures, and Margin Requirements are crucial.

Linking and Stock Market Analysis

A wiki on stock market analysis requires links to topics like Stock Valuation, Earnings Reports, Dividends, and Stock Splits. Links to resources on Technical Indicators for Stocks and Fundamental Analysis for Stocks are also essential.

Linking and Algorithmic Trading

Linking can help explain complex algorithmic trading concepts. A page on Algorithmic Trading should link to sections on Backtesting, Trading Bots, API Integration, and High-Frequency Trading.

Linking and Day Trading Psychology

Understanding the psychological aspects of trading is vital. A page on Day Trading Psychology should link to sections on Emotional Control, Discipline, Fear and Greed, and Trading Biases.

Linking and Position Trading

A page on Position Trading should link to concepts like Long-Term Investing, Fundamental Analysis, and Macroeconomic Trends.

Linking and Swing Trading Setup

A page on Swing Trading Setup should link to discussions of Candlestick Patterns, Chart Patterns, and Technical Indicators for Swing Trading.

Linking and Momentum Trading

Links to pages explaining Momentum Indicators, Relative Strength, and Trend Following are essential for a page on Momentum Trading.

Linking and Range Trading

A page on Range Trading should link to explanations of Support and Resistance, Oscillators, and Mean Reversion.

Linking and Breakout Trading

Links to pages on Chart Patterns, Volume Analysis, and Trendlines are important for a page on Breakout Trading.

Linking and Gap Trading

A page on Gap Trading should link to explanations of Gap Analysis, Common Gaps, and Breakaway Gaps.

Linking and Seasonality in Trading

Links to resources on Seasonal Patterns, Historical Data, and Economic Cycles are essential for a page on Seasonality in Trading.

Linking and Correlation Trading

A page on Correlation Trading should link to explanations of Correlation Analysis, Pairs Trading, and Statistical Arbitrage.

Linking and Volatility Trading

Links to pages on Volatility Indicators, Options Strategies, and VIX (Volatility Index) are crucial for a page on Volatility Trading.

Linking and News Trading

A page on News Trading should link to resources on Economic Calendars, Political Events, and Market Sentiment Analysis.

Linking and Social Media Sentiment Analysis

Links to pages on Social Media APIs, Sentiment Analysis Tools, and Big Data Analytics are useful for a page on Social Media Sentiment Analysis.

Linking and Backtesting Strategies

A page on Backtesting Strategies should link to resources on Historical Data Sources, Programming Languages for Trading, and Statistical Analysis.

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