This page provides a comprehensive guide to adding and managing references in MediaWiki, specifically tailored for beginners. References are crucial for maintaining the credibility and verifiability of information on a wiki. They allow readers to check the sources used to support claims made within an article. This guide will cover various methods for adding references, formatting them, and troubleshooting common issues. We will focus on the visual editor and source editor methods.
Before delving into the "how," let's understand the "why." Wikipedia, and by extension MediaWiki-based wikis, operate on the principles of No Original Research. This means all content must be verifiable. Verifiability requires reliable sources. References serve as these sources. Without them:
**Credibility is undermined:** Claims without sources appear as opinions, not facts.
**Edit disputes arise:** Disagreements about content are harder to resolve without a common basis in sources.
**Information becomes stale:** Sources can provide a timestamp for when information was accurate.
**The wiki's reputation suffers:** A lack of reliable sourcing damages the overall trustworthiness of the wiki.
Core Concepts
**Inline Citations:** These are markers *within* the text that indicate a specific claim is supported by a source. They typically appear as superscript numbers or symbols (e.g., `[1]`).
**Footnotes/Endnotes:** These are the numbered or symbolic notes that appear at the bottom of the page (footnotes) or at the end of the article (endnotes). They contain the full bibliographic information for each source.
**Reference Tags:** These are the MediaWiki code used to create inline citations and footnotes. The most common tags are `<ref>` and `</ref>`.
**Named References:** These allow you to reuse the same source multiple times without re-typing the full citation. You give the source a name and then refer to it by that name.
**Citation Styles:** While MediaWiki doesn't enforce a single citation style (like MLA or Chicago), consistency is important. Choose a style and stick to it within an article. Consider using templates (see section below) to help with consistency.
Adding References with the Visual Editor
The Visual Editor provides a user-friendly interface for adding references.
1. **Select the Text:** Highlight the text you want to cite.
2. **Click the "Cite" Button:** In the toolbar, click the "Cite" button (it looks like a little book with a plus sign).
3. **Choose a Method:** You'll be presented with several options:
* **"Insert footnote":** This creates a basic numbered footnote. You'll then need to enter the citation details in the footnote area.
* **"Insert citation":** This lets you choose from existing citations (if any are already defined on the page) or create a new one. This is ideal for reusing sources.
* **"Edit footnotes":** Allows you to manage existing footnotes.
4. **Enter Citation Details:** A dialog box will appear. Fill in the required fields (URL, Title, Author, etc.). The fields available will depend on the type of source you're citing (book, website, journal article, etc.).
5. **Save:** Click "Save" to insert the reference.
The Visual Editor automatically handles the `<ref>` tags and numbering. It also creates a "References" section at the bottom of the page where the full citations are displayed.
Adding References with the Source Editor
The Source Editor requires you to write the MediaWiki code directly. It offers more control but requires a bit more technical knowledge.
1. **Identify the Text:** Locate the text you want to cite.
2. **Insert Reference Tags:** Place `<ref>` before the text and `</ref>` after the text you want to cite.
3. **Add the Citation:** Inside the `<ref>` and `</ref>` tags, paste the full citation information. For example:
```wiki
This is a claim that needs a source.<ref>John Doe, The History of Everything, New York: Example Publishing, 2023, pp. 10-20.</ref>
```
4. **Create the References Section:** At the end of your article, add the following line to create a "References" section:
```wiki
References
```
MediaWiki will automatically generate the numbered list of references in this section.
Formatting Citations
While you can enter raw text within the `<ref>` tags, formatting it consistently is crucial. Here are some common formatting guidelines:
**Books:** Author, *Title*, Publisher, Year, Page Numbers. Example: Smith, John, *The Art of War*, Penguin Classics, 2002, pp. 50-65.
**Journal Articles:** Author(s), "Article Title", *Journal Name*, Volume, Issue, Year, Page Numbers. Example: Brown, Sarah, "Technical Analysis of Forex Markets", *Journal of Financial Economics*, 125(2), 2022, pp. 200-220.
**News Articles:** Author, "Article Title", *Newspaper Name*, Date of Publication, URL. Example: Williams, David, "Market Trends", *The New York Times*, 2023-10-26, [2].
Important:** Always include the access date for websites, as web content can change.
Named References
Named references are incredibly useful for citing the same source multiple times.
1. **Define the Reference:** Give the reference a name using the `name=` parameter within the `<ref>` tag. For example:
```wiki
This is a claim supported by Smith's book.<ref name="SmithBook">John Smith, *The Art of Trading*, 2020.</ref>
```
2. **Reuse the Reference:** To cite the same source again, simply use the `name=` parameter without the full citation:
```wiki
Another claim from Smith's book.<ref name="SmithBook"/>
```
MediaWiki will automatically link both citations to the same footnote.
Using Templates
MediaWiki allows you to create and use templates to standardize citation formatting. There may already be citation templates available on your wiki; check the Templates help page. If not, you can create your own.
**Citation Templates:** These templates encapsulate the formatting for a specific type of source. For example, a template for journal articles would include fields for author, title, journal name, etc.
**Using a Template:** To use a template, insert it into your article like this: `
Template:Infobox Trading Strategy
This article details the use of the `Template:Infobox Trading Strategy` template in MediaWiki. This template is designed to standardize the presentation of information about various trading strategies within a wiki dedicated to financial markets, technical analysis, and trading. It provides a consistent and easily navigable format for users to understand the key characteristics, mechanics, and performance metrics of different strategies. This is crucial for a knowledge base that aims to be both comprehensive and user-friendly.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Infobox Trading Strategy` is to create a concise, informative summary of a trading strategy on a dedicated page. This allows readers to quickly grasp the core concepts without needing to read lengthy, detailed explanations. It also facilitates comparison between different strategies. The template focuses on providing structured data, aiding in research and understanding, and promoting a standardized approach to documenting strategies. Without such a template, information could be scattered and inconsistent, making it difficult for newcomers to learn and experienced traders to quickly reference key details.
Usage
To use the template, simply include `Template:Infobox Trading Strategy` at the beginning of a page dedicated to a trading strategy. The template uses a series of parameters to populate the infobox with specific information. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
`strategy_name`: (Required) The name of the trading strategy. This should be the common name used to refer to the strategy (e.g., "Moving Average Crossover", "Fibonacci Retracement").
`image`: (Optional) A URL to an image illustrating the strategy, such as a chart with the strategy applied. The image should be relevant and informative. Use the `File:ImageName.png` format.
`image_caption`: (Optional) A caption for the image, providing context or explaining what the image depicts.
`type`: (Optional) The category of trading strategy. Examples include "Trend Following", "Mean Reversion", "Breakout", "Scalping", "Day Trading", "Swing Trading", "Position Trading", "Arbitrage", "Algorithmic Trading". Use a link to a relevant wiki page if one exists (e.g., `Trend Following`).
`asset_class`: (Optional) The asset class the strategy is best suited for. Examples include "Forex", "Stocks", "Cryptocurrencies", "Commodities", "Options", "Futures". Use a link where appropriate (e.g., `Forex`).
`timeframe`: (Optional) The recommended timeframe for using the strategy (e.g., "5-minute", "15-minute", "Daily", "Weekly").
`indicators`: (Optional) A comma-separated list of technical indicators used in the strategy. Link to relevant indicator pages where available (e.g., "Moving Average", "RSI", "MACD", "Bollinger Bands").
`risk_level`: (Optional) The level of risk associated with the strategy. Options include "Low", "Moderate", "High", "Very High".
`profit_potential`: (Optional) The potential profit level of the strategy. Options include "Low", "Moderate", "High", "Very High".
`complexity`: (Optional) The complexity of the strategy. Options include "Simple", "Intermediate", "Complex".
`entry_rules`: (Optional) A brief description of the rules for entering a trade. Be concise.
`exit_rules`: (Optional) A brief description of the rules for exiting a trade. Be concise.
`stop_loss`: (Optional) How stop-loss levels are determined (e.g., "Percentage based", "Support/Resistance", "ATR").
`take_profit`: (Optional) How take-profit levels are determined (e.g., "Risk/Reward Ratio", "Resistance Level", "Fibonacci Extension").
`backtesting_results`: (Optional) A summary of backtesting results, including win rate, average profit per trade, and maximum drawdown. Be specific and provide dates for the backtest.
`notes`: (Optional) Any additional notes or considerations regarding the strategy.
`see_also`: (Optional) A comma-separated list of related strategies or concepts. Link to relevant wiki pages.
Example
Here's an example of how the template might be used to document a "Moving Average Crossover" strategy:
The Moving Average Crossover is a widely used trend-following strategy... (rest of the article content)
```
Advanced Usage & Considerations
**Consistent Formatting:** Maintain consistency in the information provided for each strategy. This makes it easier to compare strategies and identify potential opportunities.
**Accuracy:** Ensure the information provided is accurate and up-to-date. Backtesting results should be clearly documented and the methodology explained.
**Objectivity:** Present the strategy objectively, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Avoid making overly optimistic claims.
**Image Quality:** Use high-quality images that are clear and easy to understand. Ensure the images are properly labeled and captioned.
**Regular Updates:** Trading strategies can evolve over time. Regularly review and update the information in the infobox to reflect any changes.
**Backtesting Details:** When providing backtesting results, include details such as the backtesting period, the asset tested, the commission costs, and the slippage assumptions.
**Risk Disclosure:** Always include a disclaimer stating that trading involves risk and that past performance is not indicative of future results.
**Parameter Descriptions:** When describing parameters like `stop_loss` and `take_profit`, be specific about how those levels are calculated. For example, instead of simply saying "Percentage based," specify "2% below entry price."
**Alternative Strategies:** In the `see_also` section, consider linking to alternative strategies that address the same market conditions or trading goals.
**Nested Templates:** While not directly part of this template, consider using nested templates for complex indicators or concepts to avoid cluttering the infobox.
Troubleshooting
**Infobox Not Rendering:** If the infobox is not rendering correctly, double-check the syntax of the template tags and parameters. Ensure that all required parameters are present and that there are no typos.
**Image Not Displaying:** If the image is not displaying, verify that the image file exists and that the URL is correct. Also, check the image permissions to ensure that it is publicly accessible.
**Incorrect Formatting:** If the formatting is incorrect, review the MediaWiki syntax for the template and ensure that it is being used correctly. Pay attention to whitespace and special characters.
**Parameter Conflicts:** If you encounter parameter conflicts, ensure that you are not using the same parameter name multiple times.
Future Enhancements
**Automated Backtesting Integration:** Integrate the template with automated backtesting tools to automatically populate the `backtesting_results` parameter.
**Performance Visualization:** Add a feature to dynamically generate charts and graphs based on the backtesting results.
**Strategy Comparison Tool:** Develop a tool that allows users to compare multiple strategies side-by-side based on the information in the infoboxes.
**User-Contributed Data:** Allow users to contribute data and feedback on strategies, subject to moderation.
**Dynamic Risk Assessment:** Implement a dynamic risk assessment feature that calculates the risk level of a strategy based on its parameters and market conditions.
**Integration with Real-Time Data Feeds:** Connect the template to real-time data feeds to provide live performance updates.
**Multilingual Support:** Translate the template into multiple languages to make it accessible to a wider audience.
**Improved Search Functionality:** Enhance the wiki's search functionality to allow users to easily find strategies based on specific criteria.
This `Template:Infobox Trading Strategy` is a vital tool for building a comprehensive and user-friendly wiki dedicated to trading and technical analysis. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this article, contributors can ensure that the information presented is consistent, accurate, and informative, ultimately benefiting all users of the wiki. The careful application of this template, combined with diligent research and clear writing, will significantly enhance the quality and value of the wiki's content.
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Templates are particularly helpful for ensuring consistency and reducing errors. Consider templates for:
Book citations
Website citations
Journal article citations
News article citations
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
**References Not Appearing:** Make sure you have a "References" section ( `== References ==` ) at the end of your article. Also, check that the `<ref>` and `</ref>` tags are properly nested and closed.
**Incorrect Numbering:** If references are numbered incorrectly, try purging the page cache (see Purge help page). Sometimes, the wiki needs to refresh its rendering of the references.
**Broken Links:** Double-check the URLs in your citations to ensure they are correct and still active. Use a URL checker tool if necessary.
**Formatting Errors:** Review your citations carefully for typos and inconsistencies. Use templates to help maintain a consistent format.
**References Showing Raw Code:** This usually indicates an issue with the `<ref>` tags or a problem with the wiki's parser. Double-check the tags and try purging the page.
Advanced Techniques
**Using Lists for Multiple Sources in One Citation:** You can cite multiple sources at once using a list within the `<ref>` tags.
```wiki
This claim is supported by multiple sources.<ref>
**Using Groups for Different Types of References:** You can categorize references into groups (e.g., "Notes," "Citations") using the `group=` parameter within the `<ref>` tag. This allows you to display different types of references separately. See the MediaWiki documentation for details.
**Harvnb/Harvcol Templates:** These templates create parenthetical citations (e.g., (Smith, 2020)) and can be used in conjunction with a bibliography section. This is a more complex technique but can be useful for academic-style articles.
