MediaWiki extensions

MediaWiki Extensions: Expanding Your Wiki's Capabilities

MediaWiki extensions are pieces of software that add functionality to a standard MediaWiki installation. Think of MediaWiki as a core engine, and extensions as add-ons that provide specific tools and features. They allow you to transform a basic wiki into a powerful platform tailored to your specific needs, whether that’s a collaborative knowledge base, a community forum, an interactive learning environment, or something else entirely. This article provides a comprehensive overview of MediaWiki extensions for beginners, covering their benefits, installation, management, popular options, and best practices.

Why Use Extensions?

Out of the box, MediaWiki provides a solid foundation for a wiki, with features like page editing, categorization, and user management. However, many specialized requirements aren't met by the core software. Extensions fill these gaps, offering a wide array of functionalities. Here are some key benefits:

Extended Functionality: Add features like semantic wikis, advanced search, maps, galleries, polls, and much more.
Customization: Tailor your wiki's appearance and behavior to match your brand or specific requirements. Consider using a skin like Vector or MonoBook as a base.
Improved User Experience: Enhance usability with features like visual editors, auto-completion, and improved navigation. Help:Editing provides details on editing functionalities.
Integration with External Services: Connect your wiki to other platforms, such as databases, APIs, or social media.
Community-Driven Development: Benefit from the collective efforts of a large and active community of developers who create and maintain extensions. See Help:Contents for more resources on community support.
Cost-Effectiveness: Most extensions are free and open-source, providing a cost-effective way to add functionality to your wiki.

Understanding Extension Types

Extensions come in various forms, serving different purposes. Here's a breakdown of common types:

Core Extensions: These are maintained by the MediaWiki developers and are considered stable and well-supported. They are often included in official MediaWiki releases.
Third-Party Extensions: Developed and maintained by individual contributors or organizations. These often offer specialized features not found in core extensions. Careful consideration of the extension's maturity and support is crucial.
Beta Extensions: Extensions still under development, offering experimental features. Use these with caution, as they may be unstable or incomplete.

Installing Extensions

Installing extensions generally involves these steps. Note: You'll need administrative access to your MediaWiki installation and shell (or FTP) access to the server. Always back up your wiki before making any changes! Refer to Manual:Configuration settings for essential configuration details.

1. Download the Extension: Download the extension's files from the MediaWiki Extension Directory. Extensions are typically distributed as ZIP or tar.gz archives. 2. Upload the Files: Upload the extracted extension files to the `extensions/` directory of your MediaWiki installation. Use FTP or a shell connection. 3. Configure the Extension: Edit the `LocalSettings.php` file (located in the root directory of your MediaWiki installation) and add a line to load the extension. The line typically looks like:

   ```php
   wfLoadExtension( 'ExtensionName' );
   ```
   Replace `'ExtensionName'` with the actual name of the extension directory.  Some extensions require additional configuration parameters within `LocalSettings.php`. Consult the extension's documentation for details.

4. Update Cache: After modifying `LocalSettings.php`, you need to update the MediaWiki cache. This can be done by visiting `https://yourwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Special:PurgeCache&action=purgeall` in your web browser (replace `yourwiki.com` with your wiki's domain).

Managing Extensions

Once installed, extensions need to be managed. This includes updating them to the latest versions and resolving any conflicts.

Extension Updates: Regularly check for updates to your installed extensions. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and new features. The MediaWiki Extension Directory will typically indicate the latest version.
Conflict Resolution: Sometimes, extensions can conflict with each other, causing errors or unexpected behavior. If you encounter conflicts, try disabling one or more extensions to isolate the problem. Check the extension documentation and the MediaWiki forums for potential solutions. Help:System messages can sometimes provide clues about extension-related errors.
Extension Removal: To remove an extension, simply remove the corresponding line from `LocalSettings.php` and delete the extension directory from the `extensions/` directory. Remember to purge the cache afterward.

Popular MediaWiki Extensions

Here's a look at some popular and useful MediaWiki extensions, categorized by function:

Content Enhancement

Semantic MediaWiki (SMW): Transforms your wiki into a semantic wiki, allowing you to store and query structured data. Ideal for creating databases within your wiki. Semantic MediaWiki Website
Infobox: Allows you to create standardized infoboxes for articles, presenting information in a clear and consistent format. Extension Page
VisualEditor: Provides a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, making it easier to format and edit pages without learning MediaWiki markup. Extension Page
CategoryTree: Displays a hierarchical tree view of categories, making it easier to navigate and explore the wiki's content. Extension Page

Community & Interaction

Discussions: Adds a discussion system to each page, allowing users to collaborate and discuss content. Extension Page
Poll: Enables you to create and conduct polls and surveys within your wiki. Extension Page
SocialProfile: Allows users to create profiles with additional information beyond their basic wiki account details. Extension Page

Functionality & Tools

Maps: Integrates maps into your wiki, allowing you to display geographical information. Extension Page
ImageMap: Enables you to create interactive image maps with clickable areas. Extension Page
SpamBlacklist: Helps to prevent spam by blocking known spam links and patterns. Extension Page
PageForms: Creates forms that allow users to easily add structured data to the wiki. Complementary to Semantic MediaWiki. Extension Page

Technical & Analysis (Related to potential trading/financial wiki)'

Data Values: For displaying numerical data with formatting options and calculations, crucial for financial indicators. [1]
Charts: Integrates charting libraries like Chart.js to visualize data, essential for trend analysis. [2]
External Data: Fetch data from external sources (APIs, databases) for real-time updates on market information. [3]
Conditional Formatting: Highlight data cells based on specific criteria, useful for identifying market signals. [4]
TableTools: Enhances table editing and manipulation capabilities, important for presenting complex data. [5]
Advanced Search: Extends the default search functionality with more granular options for filtering and refining results. [6]
Refactoring: Helps manage and restructure large wikis with complex content, useful for maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base. [7]
MassEdit: Allows bulk editing of pages, streamlining updates across multiple articles. [8]
RevisionDelete: Provides enhanced control over page revisions, useful for managing sensitive or outdated information. [9]
AbuseFilter: A critical extension for protecting your wiki from vandalism and malicious activity. [10]

Trading & Financial Concepts (Illustrative - extensions might need custom coding)'

Moving Average Indicator Display: (Custom) - An extension to automatically calculate and display moving averages on pages with price data.
Fibonacci Retracement Tool: (Custom) - An extension to visualize Fibonacci retracement levels on charts.
Bollinger Bands Visualization: (Custom) - An extension to display Bollinger Bands on price charts.
MACD Indicator Calculation: (Custom) - An extension to calculate and display the MACD indicator.
Trendline Drawing Tool: (Custom) - An extension allowing users to draw trendlines directly on wiki pages.
Candlestick Chart Integration: (Custom) - An extension to display candlestick charts with customizable timeframes.
Risk/Reward Ratio Calculator: (Custom) - An extension to calculate and display risk/reward ratios for potential trades.
Correlation Analysis Tool: (Custom) - An extension to analyze the correlation between different assets.
Volatility Calculation: (Custom) - An extension to calculate and display volatility metrics.
Support and Resistance Level Identification: (Custom) – An extension to help identify key support and resistance levels.

- Important Note:** Many of the "Trading & Financial Concepts" extensions would require custom development, as they involve complex calculations and visualizations. You might need to hire a developer to create these extensions specifically for your wiki.

Best Practices

Read the Documentation: Thoroughly read the documentation for each extension before installing it.
Test in a Development Environment: Before deploying extensions to a live wiki, test them in a development environment to identify and resolve any issues.
Keep Extensions Updated: Regularly update extensions to benefit from bug fixes, security patches, and new features.
Monitor Performance: Monitor your wiki's performance after installing extensions to ensure they are not causing any slowdowns or errors.
Backups, Backups, Backups: Always back up your wiki before making any changes, including installing or updating extensions. Manual:Backups details backup procedures.
Security Considerations: Be mindful of security implications when installing extensions, especially those that interact with external services.
Community Support: Utilize the MediaWiki community forums and documentation for help and support. Help:Where to get help is a good starting point.

Conclusion

MediaWiki extensions are a powerful way to expand the functionality of your wiki and tailor it to your specific needs. By understanding the different types of extensions, the installation process, and best practices, you can effectively leverage these tools to create a dynamic and engaging wiki experience. Remember to always prioritize security, testing, and documentation. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your MediaWiki installation into a versatile and powerful platform.

Manual:Installing extensions Help:Editing Help:Contents Manual:Configuration settings Manual:Backups Help:Where to get help