This article serves as a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource for users new to MediaWiki, particularly those wanting to understand how to effectively utilize its manual and help systems. It aims to demystify the process of finding answers to common questions, navigating the documentation, and contributing to the improvement of the MediaWiki experience. This guide presupposes you are using MediaWiki version 1.40, although most concepts apply to earlier versions as well.
The “Manual” in MediaWiki refers to the comprehensive documentation suite detailing how to use all aspects of the software. It's not a single page, but a collection of pages organized into logical sections. Think of it as the official guidebook for administrators, developers, and even end-users who want to understand the inner workings of their wiki. It covers everything from Manual:Configuration to Manual:API usage.
The Manual is distinct from the Help pages, which are intended for *end-users* – those who primarily edit and read wiki content. The Manual is geared towards those who *manage* or *extend* the wiki itself. However, understanding portions of the Manual can significantly enhance a user's ability to leverage advanced features.
Where can I find the Manual?
The Manual is typically accessible via a link in the footer of your wiki, often labeled "Manual" or "Documentation". Alternatively, you can directly access the main Manual page by appending `/Manual:Contents` to your wiki's base URL. For example, if your wiki is at `https://www.example.com/wiki`, the Manual is likely at `https://www.example.com/wiki/Manual:Contents`.
The Manual:Contents page serves as the central hub, organizing the documentation into major categories such as:
**Users:** Information for end-users, often linking to the Help space.
The Manual employs a hierarchical structure, using namespaces to categorize pages. `Manual:` is the primary namespace for the documentation. Within this namespace, pages are further organized using subpages, creating a tree-like structure. This structure allows for a granular and logical arrangement of information.
For example:
`Manual:Configuration` is a top-level page about wiki configuration.
`Manual:Configuration/Settings` is a subpage detailing specific configuration settings.
`Manual:Configuration/Settings/LocalSettings.php` details the `LocalSettings.php` file.
This consistent naming convention makes it easier to navigate and locate specific information. Understanding this structure is key to efficient searching.
How do I search the Manual?
Most wikis feature a built-in search function, accessible via a search box usually located at the top right of the page. When searching, keep these tips in mind:
**Be specific:** Instead of searching for "configuration," try "configuration settings database."
**Use keywords:** Identify the core concepts you're looking for.
**Check the search results within the Manual namespace:** Filter your search results to only show pages within the `Manual:` namespace for more relevant results. This is often an option available in the advanced search settings.
**Try different phrasing:** If your initial search doesn't yield results, rephrase your query.
What if I can't find what I'm looking for in the Manual?
If the Manual doesn't directly answer your question, consider these alternatives:
**Check the Help pages:** These are geared towards end-users and may cover basic usage questions.
**Consult the MediaWiki website:** The official MediaWiki website ([1](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Main_Page)) contains additional documentation, release notes, and community resources.
**Search the MediaWiki mailing lists:** The MediaWiki mailing lists ([2](https://lists.wikimedia.org/)) are archives of discussions between developers and users. You might find a solution to your problem already discussed.
**Ask the community:** Consider posting your question on the MediaWiki forums or relevant online communities. Be sure to clearly describe your problem and provide as much detail as possible. The Manual:Talk pages, though primarily for documentation improvement, can sometimes be helpful for asking clarifying questions.
**Check for extensions documentation:** If your issue relates to a specific extension, consult the extension's documentation, usually found on its project page or on the extension's website.
How can I contribute to the Manual?
The MediaWiki Manual is a community-driven project. Anyone can contribute to improving the documentation. Here's how:
**Fix typos and grammatical errors:** Even small improvements can make a big difference.
**Update outdated information:** MediaWiki is constantly evolving, so documentation can quickly become outdated.
**Add missing information:** If you notice a gap in the documentation, consider writing a new page or expanding an existing one.
**Clarify confusing explanations:** If you find a section of the Manual difficult to understand, rewrite it in simpler terms.
**Translate the Manual into other languages:** Help make the Manual accessible to a wider audience.
**Discuss proposed changes on the Manual:Talk pages:** Before making significant changes, it's a good idea to discuss them with other contributors.
To edit the Manual, simply click the "Edit" button at the top of any Manual page. You'll need a MediaWiki account and appropriate permissions. Familiarize yourself with Help:Editing before making your first contribution.
Understanding MediaWiki Syntax within the Manual
The Manual, like all wiki pages, uses MediaWiki syntax for formatting. Here are some essential elements:
**Headings:** Use equal signs (`=`) to create headings. `= Heading 1 =`, `== Heading 2 ==`, `=== Heading 3 ===`, etc.
**Bold text:** Surround text with three apostrophes (`bold text`).
**Italic text:** Surround text with two apostrophes (`italic text`).
**Lists:** Use asterisks (`*`) for unordered lists and numbers (`#`) for ordered lists.
**Links:** Use double square brackets (`link target`) to create links. The `link text` is the text that will be displayed, and the `link target` is the page to link to. Internal links use the page title. External links use a URL: `example.com`.
**Images:** Use `File:Image.jpgcaption` to insert images.
**Tables:** Use wiki table syntax, which can be complex. Refer to Help:Tables for detailed instructions.
**Templates:** Templates are reusable blocks of content. Use `Template:Template name` to insert a template.
Advanced Manual Topics
Here's a brief overview of some advanced topics covered in the Manual:
**Manual:API**: The MediaWiki API allows you to interact with the wiki programmatically, enabling you to build bots, integrations, and custom tools.
**Manual:Hooks**: Hooks allow you to modify the behavior of MediaWiki without directly editing the core code. This is a powerful way to customize your wiki.
**Manual:Skins**: Skins control the visual appearance of your wiki. The Manual details how to create and install custom skins.
**Manual:Extensions**: Extensions add new features and functionality to MediaWiki. The Manual explains how to install and manage extensions.
**Manual:Database**: Detailed information on the database setup and maintenance.
**Manual:Security**: Important information on securing your MediaWiki installation.
Troubleshooting Common Manual Issues
**Page Not Found:** Double-check the spelling of the page title and namespace. Ensure you are using the correct URL structure.
**Broken Links:** Report broken links to the community. They may be due to outdated information or incorrect links.
**Outdated Information:** If you find outdated information, consider updating it yourself or reporting it to the community.
**Formatting Issues:** If you encounter formatting issues, review the MediaWiki syntax rules and try again. The Help:Editing page is a valuable resource.
Resources for Technical Analysis & Trading Strategies (External Links)
While the MediaWiki Manual itself doesn’t cover trading strategies, many users utilize wikis for documenting and sharing these concepts. Here are some relevant external links for further learning:
