MediaWiki templates are a powerful and fundamental feature of the MediaWiki software, enabling content reuse, standardization, and easier maintenance of a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to templates for beginners, covering their purpose, creation, usage, and more advanced concepts. Understanding templates is crucial for anyone looking to contribute significantly to a MediaWiki-based wiki, or to customize their wiki's appearance and functionality. They are the cornerstone of many complex layouts and dynamic content displays within a wiki. This guide assumes you have basic familiarity with editing wiki pages using MediaWiki syntax. If not, please refer to the Help:Editing page first.
What are MediaWiki Templates?
At their core, a template is a pre-defined page that can be *included* (transcluded) into other pages. Instead of copying and pasting the same content repeatedly across multiple pages, you create a template once, then simply insert it where needed. When the template is updated, all pages that include it are automatically updated as well, ensuring consistency across the entire wiki.
Think of it like a pre-fabricated building component. Instead of building each wall from scratch, you use a pre-built panel. If you need to change the panel's design, you only modify the panel itself, and all the buildings using that panel are instantly updated.
Templates can be as simple as a short phrase, or as complex as an entire infobox, navigation box, or a formatted table. They are invaluable for maintaining a consistent look and feel, reducing redundancy, and making large-scale edits easier. They are also essential for implementing dynamic content based on parameters, which we will discuss later.
Why Use Templates?
The benefits of using templates are numerous:
Consistency: Templates ensure that information is presented uniformly across all pages.
Maintainability: Changes to a template are automatically reflected on all pages where it's used, simplifying updates.
Reduced Redundancy: Avoids duplicating content, saving storage space and making editing more efficient.
Code Reusability: Promotes a modular approach to wiki development, allowing you to reuse components across different pages.
Simplified Editing: Users can easily add complex elements to pages without needing to understand the underlying code.
Dynamic Content: Templates can accept parameters, allowing them to display different information based on input. This is key for creating things like infoboxes with varying data.
Centralized Control: Administrators can manage and update templates to control the wiki's overall appearance and functionality.
Improved Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration by providing a standardized way to present information.
Creating a Template
To create a template:
1. Navigate to the Template Namespace: Templates are stored in a special namespace called "Template". To create a new template, type `Template:TemplateName` into the search box, where `TemplateName` is the name you want to give your template. For example, `Template:ExampleTemplate`.
2. Create the Page: If the page doesn't exist, you'll be prompted to create it.
3. Write the Template Code: Enter the MediaWiki code for your template on the page. This code will define the content and structure of the template.
Example: A Simple Greeting Template
Let's create a simple template that displays a personalized greeting.
```wiki
```
In this example:
`Template:Greeting` would be the name of the template.
``: This tag is crucial. It ensures that the content within these tags is *only* displayed when the template is transcluded, not when the template page itself is viewed directly. Without this, the template page would show the greeting, which isn't what we want.
`{{{1}}}`: This is a *parameter*. It represents the first parameter that will be passed to the template when it is used. In this case, it will be a username.
`[[User:{{{1}}}|{{{1}}}]]`: This creates a link to the user page, using the parameter as the username.
Using a Template (Transclusion)
To use a template on a page, use the following syntax:
```wiki
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.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive:
✓ Daily trading signals
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```
`Template:` and ``: These double curly braces indicate that you are including a template.
`TemplateName`: The name of the template you want to use.
`parameter1`, `parameter2`, etc.: The values you want to pass to the template's parameters.
Example: Using the Greeting Template
To use the `Template:Greeting` template on a page, you would write:
```wiki
Template:Greeting
Template:Greeting is a fundamental and highly versatile template within the MediaWiki environment, designed to dynamically generate personalized greetings for users. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, utilizing, and customizing this template, catering specifically to beginners. We will cover its core functionality, parameters, usage examples, advanced customization options, troubleshooting common issues, and its role within the broader context of wiki user engagement.
What is a Template?
Before diving into the specifics of Template:Greeting, it’s crucial to understand what a Template is in MediaWiki. Templates are pre-defined sets of wiki markup that can be inserted into pages to consistently display specific content. They act as reusable building blocks, preventing repetitive typing and ensuring uniformity across the wiki. Think of them as functions in programming – you provide certain inputs (parameters), and the template generates a pre-defined output. Using templates promotes efficient content management and a consistent user experience. They are essential for maintaining a professional and organized wiki. Related concepts include Help:Variables and Help:Magic words.
Core Functionality of Template:Greeting
Template:Greeting’s primary purpose is to display a customized greeting message to a user, often incorporating their username. It typically leverages MediaWiki's built-in parser functions to determine the current time and tailor the greeting accordingly (e.g., "Good morning," "Good afternoon," "Good evening"). Beyond a simple greeting, the template can also be extended to display welcome messages, recent activity notifications, or links to helpful resources for new users. It's a crucial element in fostering a welcoming and engaging community environment. Understanding Help:Linking and referencing is key to adding helpful links within the greeting.
Parameters
Template:Greeting utilizes several parameters to control its behavior and output. These parameters are specified when the template is included on a page using the `Template loop detected: Template:Greeting` syntax. Here's a breakdown of the common parameters:
`username`: (Optional) The username to greet. If omitted, the template will automatically attempt to determine the current user’s username.
`greeting`: (Optional) Allows you to override the default greeting message. This can be useful for special occasions or themed greetings.
`time-format`: (Optional) Specifies the format for displaying the time. Defaults to a 12-hour format. Acceptable values include "12" or "24".
`show-time`: (Optional) A boolean value (true/false) that determines whether the current time is displayed alongside the greeting. Defaults to "true".
`custom-message`: (Optional) Allows you to add a completely custom message after the greeting. This parameter is perfect for displaying specific announcements or welcome information.
`image`: (Optional) Specifies the name of an image to be displayed alongside the greeting. Use standard MediaWiki image syntax (e.g., `File:Example.png`).
`link`: (Optional) A URL to link from the greeting. Useful for linking to a user's profile or a welcome page.
`linktext`: (Optional) The text to display for the link specified by the `link` parameter.
`bgcolor`: (Optional) Sets the background color of the greeting box. Accepts standard HTML color codes (e.g., `#f0f0f0`).
`textcolor`: (Optional) Sets the text color of the greeting. Accepts standard HTML color codes.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use Template:Greeting with different parameters:
This demonstrates how to combine multiple parameters for a comprehensive greeting message.
Advanced Customization
While the parameters described above cover most common use cases, Template:Greeting can be further customized by modifying the template’s source code. This requires a basic understanding of MediaWiki markup and parser functions. You can access the template’s source code by clicking the "View source" tab on the Template:Greeting/doc page (or the template itself if documentation doesn't exist).
Here are some advanced customization possibilities:
**Conditional Greetings:** Use `#if` statements to display different greetings based on user groups (e.g., administrators, registered users, anonymous users). This requires using the `{{#ifeq:Template:USERGROUPS...}}` construct. See Help:Conditional statements for more details.
**Dynamic Content:** Integrate with other templates or extensions to display dynamic content based on user preferences or recent activity.
**Custom Time Formats:** Use the `Template:Formattime` parser function to create highly customized time formats. Refer to Help:FormatTime for comprehensive documentation.
**Error Handling:** Implement error handling to gracefully handle cases where a username is not provided or an image file is missing. Use `#ifexist` to check for file existence.
**Localization:** Support multiple languages by using the Extension:Translate extension and defining translations for the greeting messages.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
**Template Not Displaying:** Ensure that the template is correctly included on the page using the `Template loop detected: Template:Greeting` syntax. Check for typos in the template name.
**Incorrect Username:** If the template is not displaying the correct username, verify that the user is logged in. If you are specifying a username manually, double-check the spelling.
**Time Not Displaying Correctly:** Ensure that the server’s time is correctly configured. Verify the `time-format` parameter is set to the desired value ("12" or "24").
**Image Not Displaying:** Make sure the image file exists in the wiki and that the filename is correct. Verify that the image syntax is correct (e.g., `File:Example.png`).
**Styling Issues:** If the colors or other styling are not displaying as expected, double-check the HTML color codes and ensure they are valid.
Template Documentation
Every template should have comprehensive documentation. This is typically created on a subpage of the template, such as `Template:Greeting/doc`. The documentation should include:
A clear description of the template’s purpose.
A list of all available parameters, with detailed explanations and examples.
Usage examples demonstrating common use cases.
Troubleshooting tips for common issues.
Links to related templates and documentation.
Relationship to Trading and Financial Analysis (for context, as requested)
While seemingly unrelated, the principles behind a well-designed template like Template:Greeting mirror best practices in financial analysis and trading. Just as a template provides a consistent and reliable output based on input parameters, successful trading relies on consistent application of strategies and analysis. Consider these analogies:
**Parameters as Indicators:** The template’s parameters (username, greeting, time-format) are analogous to technical indicators like Moving Averages, MACD, or RSI. Each parameter modifies the output, just as each indicator provides a different perspective on market data.
**Template Logic as Trading Strategy:** The logic within the template (determining the greeting based on time) resembles a trading strategy. A defined set of rules (time of day) leads to a specific action (greeting). Similar to a Breakout strategy, the template responds to a specific condition.
**Customization as Risk Management:** The ability to customize the template reflects the need for risk management in trading. Adjusting parameters allows for tailoring the output to specific circumstances, just as adjusting position size or stop-loss orders manages risk.
**Consistency as Backtesting:** The consistent output of the template is akin to the need for backtesting in trading. A reliable template ensures predictable results, just as backtesting validates the performance of a trading strategy.
**Documentation as Trading Journal:** The documentation for the template is like a trading journal. It records the rules, parameters, and expected outcomes, allowing for review and improvement.
**Market Trends & Template Updates:** Just as market trends change, requiring adjustments to trading strategies (e.g., shifting from a Trend Following to a Mean Reversion approach), templates may need updates to remain relevant and effective.
**Volatility and Parameter Sensitivity:** The sensitivity of the template's output to parameter changes mirrors the concept of volatility in financial markets. Small changes in input can lead to significant differences in the outcome.
**Correlation & Parameter Interdependence:** The interaction between different template parameters is similar to correlations between different assets.
**Support and Resistance Levels & Template Limits:** The limitations of the template (e.g., the types of parameters it accepts) are like support and resistance levels in a market – boundaries that define the range of possible outcomes.
**Fibonacci Retracements & Template Refinement:** Iteratively refining the template's code and parameters is analogous to using Fibonacci Retracements to identify potential price targets.
**Elliot Wave Theory & Template Evolution:** The evolution of a template over time, with new features and improvements, can be compared to Elliot Wave Theory, where patterns repeat at different scales.
**Candlestick Patterns & Template Visualizations:** The visual presentation of the greeting (colors, images) can be considered a form of visualization, similar to how Candlestick patterns provide a visual representation of price action.
**Bollinger Bands & Template Boundaries:** The parameters of the template define its boundaries, similar to how Bollinger Bands define a range around a moving average.
**Ichimoku Cloud & Template Conditions:** The conditional logic within the template (e.g., displaying different greetings based on user groups) is analogous to the complex conditions defined by the Ichimoku Cloud.
**Stochastic Oscillator & Template Momentum:** The dynamic nature of the greeting (changing based on the time of day) can be compared to the momentum indicators like the Stochastic Oscillator.
**Average True Range (ATR) & Template Variability:** The degree to which the template’s output can vary based on parameter changes is similar to the Average True Range (ATR), which measures market volatility.
**Donchian Channels & Template Range:** The range of possible outputs from the template, defined by its parameters, can be compared to Donchian Channels, which define a price range over a specific period.
**Parabolic SAR & Template Acceleration:** The ability to customize the template to respond quickly to changing conditions is analogous to the Parabolic SAR, which accelerates as prices move.
**Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) & Template Importance:** The frequency with which the template is used can be compared to the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP), which reflects the importance of price levels based on trading volume.
**Harmonic Patterns & Template Complexity:** The intricate logic and interdependencies within a highly customized template can be compared to the complexity of Harmonic Patterns.
**Renko Charts & Template Simplification:** Simplifying the template to focus on essential parameters is analogous to using Renko Charts to filter out noise and focus on significant price movements.
**Heikin Ashi Charts & Template Smoothing:** Using the template to smooth out variations in the user experience is similar to using Heikin Ashi Charts to smooth out price data.
**Keltner Channels & Template Volatility:** The template’s responsiveness to changes in user data or system settings is similar to how Keltner Channels adapt to changing market volatility.
**Pivot Points & Template Key Levels:** The key parameters of the template can be considered pivot points that define its behavior.
If you wanted to use it for another user, you'd simply change the parameter:
```wiki
Template:Greeting
Template:Greeting is a fundamental and highly versatile template within the MediaWiki environment, designed to dynamically generate personalized greetings for users. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, utilizing, and customizing this template, catering specifically to beginners. We will cover its core functionality, parameters, usage examples, advanced customization options, troubleshooting common issues, and its role within the broader context of wiki user engagement.
What is a Template?
Before diving into the specifics of Template:Greeting, it’s crucial to understand what a Template is in MediaWiki. Templates are pre-defined sets of wiki markup that can be inserted into pages to consistently display specific content. They act as reusable building blocks, preventing repetitive typing and ensuring uniformity across the wiki. Think of them as functions in programming – you provide certain inputs (parameters), and the template generates a pre-defined output. Using templates promotes efficient content management and a consistent user experience. They are essential for maintaining a professional and organized wiki. Related concepts include Help:Variables and Help:Magic words.
Core Functionality of Template:Greeting
Template:Greeting’s primary purpose is to display a customized greeting message to a user, often incorporating their username. It typically leverages MediaWiki's built-in parser functions to determine the current time and tailor the greeting accordingly (e.g., "Good morning," "Good afternoon," "Good evening"). Beyond a simple greeting, the template can also be extended to display welcome messages, recent activity notifications, or links to helpful resources for new users. It's a crucial element in fostering a welcoming and engaging community environment. Understanding Help:Linking and referencing is key to adding helpful links within the greeting.
Parameters
Template:Greeting utilizes several parameters to control its behavior and output. These parameters are specified when the template is included on a page using the `Template loop detected: Template:Greeting` syntax. Here's a breakdown of the common parameters:
`username`: (Optional) The username to greet. If omitted, the template will automatically attempt to determine the current user’s username.
`greeting`: (Optional) Allows you to override the default greeting message. This can be useful for special occasions or themed greetings.
`time-format`: (Optional) Specifies the format for displaying the time. Defaults to a 12-hour format. Acceptable values include "12" or "24".
`show-time`: (Optional) A boolean value (true/false) that determines whether the current time is displayed alongside the greeting. Defaults to "true".
`custom-message`: (Optional) Allows you to add a completely custom message after the greeting. This parameter is perfect for displaying specific announcements or welcome information.
`image`: (Optional) Specifies the name of an image to be displayed alongside the greeting. Use standard MediaWiki image syntax (e.g., `File:Example.png`).
`link`: (Optional) A URL to link from the greeting. Useful for linking to a user's profile or a welcome page.
`linktext`: (Optional) The text to display for the link specified by the `link` parameter.
`bgcolor`: (Optional) Sets the background color of the greeting box. Accepts standard HTML color codes (e.g., `#f0f0f0`).
`textcolor`: (Optional) Sets the text color of the greeting. Accepts standard HTML color codes.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use Template:Greeting with different parameters:
This demonstrates how to combine multiple parameters for a comprehensive greeting message.
Advanced Customization
While the parameters described above cover most common use cases, Template:Greeting can be further customized by modifying the template’s source code. This requires a basic understanding of MediaWiki markup and parser functions. You can access the template’s source code by clicking the "View source" tab on the Template:Greeting/doc page (or the template itself if documentation doesn't exist).
Here are some advanced customization possibilities:
**Conditional Greetings:** Use `#if` statements to display different greetings based on user groups (e.g., administrators, registered users, anonymous users). This requires using the `{{#ifeq:Template:USERGROUPS...}}` construct. See Help:Conditional statements for more details.
**Dynamic Content:** Integrate with other templates or extensions to display dynamic content based on user preferences or recent activity.
**Custom Time Formats:** Use the `Template:Formattime` parser function to create highly customized time formats. Refer to Help:FormatTime for comprehensive documentation.
**Error Handling:** Implement error handling to gracefully handle cases where a username is not provided or an image file is missing. Use `#ifexist` to check for file existence.
**Localization:** Support multiple languages by using the Extension:Translate extension and defining translations for the greeting messages.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
**Template Not Displaying:** Ensure that the template is correctly included on the page using the `Template loop detected: Template:Greeting` syntax. Check for typos in the template name.
**Incorrect Username:** If the template is not displaying the correct username, verify that the user is logged in. If you are specifying a username manually, double-check the spelling.
**Time Not Displaying Correctly:** Ensure that the server’s time is correctly configured. Verify the `time-format` parameter is set to the desired value ("12" or "24").
**Image Not Displaying:** Make sure the image file exists in the wiki and that the filename is correct. Verify that the image syntax is correct (e.g., `File:Example.png`).
**Styling Issues:** If the colors or other styling are not displaying as expected, double-check the HTML color codes and ensure they are valid.
Template Documentation
Every template should have comprehensive documentation. This is typically created on a subpage of the template, such as `Template:Greeting/doc`. The documentation should include:
A clear description of the template’s purpose.
A list of all available parameters, with detailed explanations and examples.
Usage examples demonstrating common use cases.
Troubleshooting tips for common issues.
Links to related templates and documentation.
Relationship to Trading and Financial Analysis (for context, as requested)
While seemingly unrelated, the principles behind a well-designed template like Template:Greeting mirror best practices in financial analysis and trading. Just as a template provides a consistent and reliable output based on input parameters, successful trading relies on consistent application of strategies and analysis. Consider these analogies:
**Parameters as Indicators:** The template’s parameters (username, greeting, time-format) are analogous to technical indicators like Moving Averages, MACD, or RSI. Each parameter modifies the output, just as each indicator provides a different perspective on market data.
**Template Logic as Trading Strategy:** The logic within the template (determining the greeting based on time) resembles a trading strategy. A defined set of rules (time of day) leads to a specific action (greeting). Similar to a Breakout strategy, the template responds to a specific condition.
**Customization as Risk Management:** The ability to customize the template reflects the need for risk management in trading. Adjusting parameters allows for tailoring the output to specific circumstances, just as adjusting position size or stop-loss orders manages risk.
**Consistency as Backtesting:** The consistent output of the template is akin to the need for backtesting in trading. A reliable template ensures predictable results, just as backtesting validates the performance of a trading strategy.
**Documentation as Trading Journal:** The documentation for the template is like a trading journal. It records the rules, parameters, and expected outcomes, allowing for review and improvement.
**Market Trends & Template Updates:** Just as market trends change, requiring adjustments to trading strategies (e.g., shifting from a Trend Following to a Mean Reversion approach), templates may need updates to remain relevant and effective.
**Volatility and Parameter Sensitivity:** The sensitivity of the template's output to parameter changes mirrors the concept of volatility in financial markets. Small changes in input can lead to significant differences in the outcome.
**Correlation & Parameter Interdependence:** The interaction between different template parameters is similar to correlations between different assets.
**Support and Resistance Levels & Template Limits:** The limitations of the template (e.g., the types of parameters it accepts) are like support and resistance levels in a market – boundaries that define the range of possible outcomes.
**Fibonacci Retracements & Template Refinement:** Iteratively refining the template's code and parameters is analogous to using Fibonacci Retracements to identify potential price targets.
**Elliot Wave Theory & Template Evolution:** The evolution of a template over time, with new features and improvements, can be compared to Elliot Wave Theory, where patterns repeat at different scales.
**Candlestick Patterns & Template Visualizations:** The visual presentation of the greeting (colors, images) can be considered a form of visualization, similar to how Candlestick patterns provide a visual representation of price action.
**Bollinger Bands & Template Boundaries:** The parameters of the template define its boundaries, similar to how Bollinger Bands define a range around a moving average.
**Ichimoku Cloud & Template Conditions:** The conditional logic within the template (e.g., displaying different greetings based on user groups) is analogous to the complex conditions defined by the Ichimoku Cloud.
**Stochastic Oscillator & Template Momentum:** The dynamic nature of the greeting (changing based on the time of day) can be compared to the momentum indicators like the Stochastic Oscillator.
**Average True Range (ATR) & Template Variability:** The degree to which the template’s output can vary based on parameter changes is similar to the Average True Range (ATR), which measures market volatility.
**Donchian Channels & Template Range:** The range of possible outputs from the template, defined by its parameters, can be compared to Donchian Channels, which define a price range over a specific period.
**Parabolic SAR & Template Acceleration:** The ability to customize the template to respond quickly to changing conditions is analogous to the Parabolic SAR, which accelerates as prices move.
**Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) & Template Importance:** The frequency with which the template is used can be compared to the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP), which reflects the importance of price levels based on trading volume.
**Harmonic Patterns & Template Complexity:** The intricate logic and interdependencies within a highly customized template can be compared to the complexity of Harmonic Patterns.
**Renko Charts & Template Simplification:** Simplifying the template to focus on essential parameters is analogous to using Renko Charts to filter out noise and focus on significant price movements.
**Heikin Ashi Charts & Template Smoothing:** Using the template to smooth out variations in the user experience is similar to using Heikin Ashi Charts to smooth out price data.
**Keltner Channels & Template Volatility:** The template’s responsiveness to changes in user data or system settings is similar to how Keltner Channels adapt to changing market volatility.
**Pivot Points & Template Key Levels:** The key parameters of the template can be considered pivot points that define its behavior.
Templates become significantly more powerful when you use parameters. Parameters allow you to customize the template's output based on the context in which it's used. As seen in the greeting example, `{{{1}}}`, `{{{2}}}`, etc., represent parameters.
Named Parameters: You can also use named parameters, which make your templates more readable and easier to use. The syntax for named parameters is `{{{parameterName}}}`.
Example: Template with Named Parameters
```wiki
```
In this example:
`{{{title}}}`: The title parameter.
`{{{author}}}`: The author parameter.
`Not specified`: The date parameter. The `|Not specified` part provides a default value if the `date` parameter is not provided when the template is used.
```
Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Date: Not specified
```
Advanced Template Techniques
Beyond the basics, several advanced techniques can enhance your templates:
#if Statements: Use `#if` statements to conditionally display content based on parameter values. This is useful for creating templates that behave differently depending on the input.
#switch Statements: Use `#switch` statements to select different content based on the value of a parameter. This is helpful for creating templates that can handle multiple options. See Help:Magic words for more information on parser functions.
#vardefine and #varset: These magic words allow you to define and set variables within a template, enabling more complex logic.
Template Loops: While MediaWiki doesn't have explicit loop constructs, you can achieve similar results using recursive templates and parser functions.
TemplateData: TemplateData is a JSON-based format that provides metadata about a template, making it easier for editors to understand how to use it. It's displayed in the VisualEditor's template insertion dialog. See Help:TemplateData for details.
Modules (Lua): For very complex templates, consider using Lua modules. Lua provides a much more powerful programming environment than MediaWiki's parser functions. See Help:Lua for details.
Common Template Use Cases
Infoboxes: Standardized boxes that summarize key information about a topic. These are frequently used for articles about people, places, and things.
Navigation Boxes: Boxes that provide links to related articles. These help users navigate related content within the wiki.
Warning Messages: Templates that display warnings or notices to editors.
Copyright Notices: Templates that automatically add copyright information to pages.
Standardized Headers and Footers: Templates that ensure consistent formatting for headers and footers.
Tables: Creating standardized tables for data presentation.
Best Practices for Template Creation
Keep it Simple: Avoid unnecessary complexity. Start with a simple template and add features as needed.
Use Descriptive Names: Choose template names that clearly indicate their purpose.
Document Your Templates: Add comments to your template code to explain how it works. Also, create a documentation page (e.g., `Template:TemplateName/doc`) to provide instructions on how to use the template.