Wikitext is the markup language used on MediaWiki-based wikis, like this one, to format and structure content. It's designed to be easy to learn and use, requiring minimal technical knowledge. Unlike HTML, Wikitext focuses on readability of the source code itself, making editing simpler and more intuitive. This article will guide you through the fundamentals of Wikitext, from basic formatting to more advanced techniques.
At its heart, Wikitext is about using simple symbols and conventions to tell the wiki software *how* to display your text, rather than *what* the text *is*. Think of it as giving instructions to the wiki, rather than writing code that directly renders the content. The wiki engine then translates this Wikitext into HTML for display in a web browser.
Plain Text is King: The vast majority of your text will be plain text. Wikitext only intervenes when you want to apply formatting or add special features.
Markup is Invisible: The Wikitext markup itself is not visible to readers when they view the page. They only see the formatted result.
Simplicity and Readability: Wikitext aims to be as simple and readable as possible, even in its source form. This makes collaboration and editing easier.
Basic Formatting
Let's start with the essentials:
Bold Text: Surround text with three single quotes () or three apostrophes (). Example: `This is bold text` renders as This is bold text.
Italic Text: Surround text with two single quotes () or two apostrophes (). Example: `This is italic text` renders as This is italic text.
Bold and Italic Text: Combine the above: `This is both bold and italic text'` renders as This is both bold and italic text'`.
Strikethrough Text: Surround text with `` and ``. Example: `This text is struck through` renders as This text is struck through.
Underline Text: Surround text with `` and ``. Example: `This text is underlined` renders as This text is underlined. (Note: Underlining is often discouraged for accessibility reasons as it can be confused with links).
Small Text: Surround text with `` and ``. Example: `This is small text` renders as This is small text.
Monospace Text: Surround text with `` ` `` (backticks). Example: ``This is monospace text`` renders as `This is monospace text`. This is useful for code snippets or representing computer output.
Headings
Headings structure your content and make it easier to read. Use equal signs (=) to create headings. The number of equal signs determines the heading level.
`= Heading 1 =` renders as
Heading 1
`== Heading 2 ==` renders as
Heading 2
`=== Heading 3 ===` renders as
Heading 3
`==== Heading 4 ====` renders as
Heading 4
`===== Heading 5 =====` renders as
Heading 5
`====== Heading 6 ======` renders as
Heading 6
Lists
Wikitext supports both ordered (numbered) and unordered (bulleted) lists.
Unordered Lists: Use an asterisk (*) at the beginning of each line.
Ordered Lists: Use a number followed by a period (.) at the beginning of each line.
```wikitext
1. First item
2. Second item
3. Third item
```
Renders as:
1. First item
2. Second item
3. Third item
You can nest lists by indenting the list items with colons (:).
Links
Links are essential for navigating a wiki.
Internal Links: Use double square brackets `[[ ]]` to link to other pages on the wiki. Example: `Help:Contents` links to the Help:Contents page. You can also use a pipe (|) to specify a different display text: `Contents Page` renders as Contents Page. Technical Analysis is a vital skill for traders.
External Links: Use single square brackets `[ ]` to link to external websites. Example: `MediaWiki.org` renders as MediaWiki.org. You can also specify display text: `The MediaWiki Website`. Understanding candlestick patterns is crucial for identifying potential trading opportunities.
Anchors: You can link to specific sections within a page using anchors. First, define an anchor using `` around the text you want to link to. Then, link to it using `#anchorname`.
* `File:` Specifies that you are linking to a file.
* `ImageName.jpg` is the name of the image file.
* `thumb` creates a thumbnail.
* `alt text` is alternative text for accessibility (displayed if the image cannot be loaded).
* `width=200px` sets the width of the image. You can also use `height` to set the height.
Tables
Tables are used to organize data in rows and columns.
Basic Syntax:
```wikitext
Caption
Header 1
Header 2
Row 1, Cell 1
Row 1, Cell 2
Row 2, Cell 1
Row 2, Cell 2
```
* `{|` and `|}` mark the beginning and end of the table.
* `class="wikitable"` applies a default table style.
* `|+` adds a caption to the table.
* `|-` marks the beginning of a new row.
* `!` creates a header cell.
* `|` creates a regular cell.
Templates
Templates are reusable blocks of Wikitext that can be inserted into multiple pages. They help maintain consistency and reduce redundancy. Template:Infobox is a common example.
Usage: `
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 defined on separate pages, typically in the `Template:` namespace. For example, the template code for `Template:Example` would be on the page `Template:Example`.
You can display mathematical formulas using LaTeX syntax.
Inline Formulas: Surround the formula with single dollars ($). Example: `$x^2 + y^2 = r^2$` renders as $x^2 + y^2 = r^2$.
Block Formulas: Surround the formula with double dollars ($$). Example: `$$E = mc^2$$` renders as:
$$E = mc^2$$
Special Characters
Some characters have special meanings in Wikitext and need to be escaped if you want to display them literally.
Apostrophe ('): Use `'` or `'`.
Equal Sign (=): Use `&eq;`.
Square Brackets ([ ]): Use `[` and `]`.
Curly Braces ({ }): Use `{` and `}`.
Pipe (|): Use `|`.
Preformatted Text
To display text exactly as it is typed, including whitespace and special characters, use the `
` tag.
```wikitext
<pre>
This is preformatted text.
It preserves whitespace and special characters.
```
Renders as:
This is preformatted text.
It preserves whitespace and special characters.
Comments
You can add comments to your Wikitext that are not displayed on the page. Comments are enclosed in ``.
```wikitext
```
Advanced Techniques
Categories: Add categories to your pages to help organize content. Use ``. Fibonacci retracement is a popular tool for identifying support and resistance levels.
Redirects: Create redirects to point one page to another. Use `#REDIRECT Target Page`.
Include Only: Include specific sections of another page using ``.
Hide From: Hide specific sections of a page from certain contexts using `<hidefrom>` and `</hidefrom>`.
Resources & Further Learning
Help:Editing - General information about editing on this wiki.
This guide provides a solid foundation for using Wikitext. Experiment with different features and don't be afraid to explore the MediaWiki documentation for more advanced options. Practice is key to mastering Wikitext and creating well-formatted, informative wiki pages. Consider studying chart patterns for improved trading.
