MediaWiki extensions documentation

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  1. MediaWiki Extensions Documentation: A Beginner's Guide

MediaWiki is a powerful, free and open-source wiki software, renowned for powering projects like Wikipedia. Its core functionality is robust, but its true extensibility comes from its vast ecosystem of extensions. These extensions allow administrators to add new features, modify existing ones, and tailor their wiki to specific needs. However, navigating the documentation for these extensions can be daunting for beginners. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing MediaWiki extensions documentation effectively.

    1. What are MediaWiki Extensions?

Before diving into the documentation, let’s clarify what extensions *are*. Think of MediaWiki as a foundation. Extensions are like building blocks you add to that foundation to create something more complex and specialized. They are written in PHP and integrate directly into the MediaWiki core.

Examples of common extensions include:

  • **Semantic MediaWiki:** Adds semantic data to wiki pages, enabling complex queries and data visualization. See Help:Semantic MediaWiki for more details.
  • **VisualEditor:** Provides a "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) editing experience.
  • **Cite:** Simplifies the process of adding and managing citations.
  • **AbuseFilter:** Helps prevent vandalism and spam.
  • **Cargo:** Allows for the creation of database tables within the wiki.
  • **Maps:** Integrates maps and geographical data.
  • **CategoryTree:** Displays a navigable tree structure of categories.
  • **WikiEditor:** Enhances the standard wiki editor with additional tools.
  • **Gadgets:** Allows users to add custom JavaScript and CSS to their interface.
  • **OAuth2:** Enables secure authentication with external services.

These are just a few examples; hundreds of extensions are available, each addressing a different need.

    1. Where to Find Extension Documentation

The primary source for MediaWiki extension documentation is the MediaWiki.org website, specifically its extensions section. However, the documentation isn't always centralized. Here’s a breakdown of where you can find information:

1. **MediaWiki.org Extension Pages:** Each extension has a dedicated page on MediaWiki.org. This page usually contains: 

   *   **Description:** A brief overview of the extension's purpose.
   *   **Installation Instructions:**  Detailed steps on how to download, upload, and configure the extension.
   *   **Configuration Options:**  A list of all the settings available and their meanings. This is often found in a dedicated `$wgExtensionSettings` section.
   *   **Usage Examples:**  Demonstrations of how to use the extension's features.
   *   **Known Issues:**  A list of bugs or limitations.
   *   **Developer Information:** Links to the extension's source code and bug tracker.
   *   **Links:**  To the extension's talk page, external documentation, and related resources.

2. **Extension's README File:** When you download an extension, it usually comes with a `README` file. This file often contains essential information about the extension, including installation instructions, dependencies, and basic usage. *Always* read the README file first.

3. **Extension's Documentation Wiki Page (if available):** Some extensions have their own dedicated wiki pages *within* MediaWiki.org, providing more in-depth documentation. These are usually linked from the main extension page. For example, Semantic MediaWiki has extensive documentation on its own wiki.

4. **GitHub/GitLab Repositories:** Many extensions are hosted on version control platforms like GitHub or GitLab. These repositories contain the source code, bug tracker, and often a wiki with documentation contributed by developers and users. Links to these repositories are typically found on the extension's MediaWiki.org page.

5. **Extension Talk Pages:** The talk page associated with an extension on MediaWiki.org is a valuable resource for asking questions, reporting bugs, and discussing features.

6. **MediaWiki User Groups and Forums:** Online communities, such as the MediaWiki mailing lists and forums, can provide support and guidance.

    1. Understanding the Documentation Structure

Extension documentation can vary in quality and organization. However, certain patterns are common:

  • **Configuration:** This section describes the variables you need to set in your `LocalSettings.php` file to enable and configure the extension. Pay close attention to data types (string, integer, boolean) and acceptable values. Incorrect configuration can prevent the extension from working correctly. Understanding the impact of each configuration option is crucial. Consider using a version control system (like Git) to track changes to your `LocalSettings.php` file.
  • **Tags and Variables:** Many extensions introduce new wiki tags or variables that you can use in your pages. The documentation will explain the syntax and functionality of these elements. For instance, Semantic MediaWiki utilizes property declarations and templates.
  • **Hooks:** Extensions often use hooks to modify MediaWiki's behavior. Hooks allow extensions to intercept and alter events within the MediaWiki core. Documentation may explain the available hooks and how to use them. This is generally for more advanced users and developers.
  • **Special Pages:** Some extensions create special pages that provide additional functionality. The documentation will explain how to access and use these pages. For example, the AbuseFilter extension creates special pages for reviewing flagged edits.
  • **API Integration:** If the extension provides an API, the documentation will describe the available endpoints and how to use them. This is important for developers who want to integrate the extension with other applications.
    1. Tips for Effective Documentation Use
  • **Start with Installation:** Ensure you can successfully install the extension before attempting to configure or use it. Follow the installation instructions carefully. Pay attention to any dependencies.
  • **Read the Configuration Section Thoroughly:** Understanding the configuration options is crucial for getting the extension to work as intended.
  • **Experiment with Small Changes:** When configuring an extension, make small changes one at a time and test them to see how they affect the wiki. This will help you isolate problems and understand the impact of each setting.
  • **Use a Development Wiki:** Before making changes to your production wiki, test them on a development wiki. This will prevent disruptions to your live site.
  • **Search Effectively:** Use keywords relevant to the extension and the specific problem you're trying to solve when searching the documentation.
  • **Check the Talk Page:** See if others have encountered the same problem and found a solution on the extension's talk page.
  • **Ask for Help:** If you're stuck, don't hesitate to ask for help on the MediaWiki mailing lists or forums. Provide as much detail as possible about your problem, including the extension version, your MediaWiki version, and any error messages you're seeing.
  • **Understand PHP:** While not always required for basic usage, a basic understanding of PHP will be helpful for troubleshooting and customizing extensions.
  • **Backup Your Wiki:** *Always* back up your wiki before installing or configuring any extension. This will allow you to restore your wiki to a working state if something goes wrong.
    1. Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
  • **Conflicts with Other Extensions:** Extensions can sometimes conflict with each other. If you experience problems after installing a new extension, try disabling other extensions to see if that resolves the issue.
  • **PHP Version Compatibility:** Extensions may require a specific version of PHP. Make sure your server meets the extension's requirements.
  • **Missing Dependencies:** Some extensions depend on other PHP libraries or extensions. Make sure all dependencies are installed.
  • **Caching Issues:** Sometimes, changes made to the configuration or code of an extension may not be reflected immediately due to caching. Clear the MediaWiki cache to see if that resolves the problem. You can do this through the maintenance scripts or by manually deleting the cache directory.
  • **Error Messages:** Pay attention to any error messages that are displayed. These messages can provide valuable clues about the cause of the problem. Enable debug mode in `LocalSettings.php` to get more detailed error messages. (`$wgDebug = true;`)
    1. Advanced Documentation Resources

For power users and developers, the following resources are valuable:

    1. Staying Updated

The MediaWiki ecosystem is constantly evolving. New extensions are released regularly, and existing extensions are updated with new features and bug fixes. Stay informed by:

Understanding and effectively utilizing MediaWiki extensions documentation is key to unlocking the full potential of your wiki. By following the tips and resources outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate the world of MediaWiki extensions and create a wiki that meets your specific needs.

Remember to always prioritize a stable, backed-up environment for testing and experimentation. Continuous learning and community engagement are essential for staying current with the ever-evolving MediaWiki landscape. Consider exploring strategies for optimizing wiki performance, analyzing user behavior with tools like Google Analytics, and implementing security best practices to protect your data. Furthermore, understanding technical analysis concepts like trend lines, support and resistance levels, and moving averages can be beneficial for interpreting wiki usage data and identifying areas for improvement. Staying informed about market trends in wiki software and related technologies will also help you make informed decisions about your wiki's future. Here are some additional resources:

Help:Contents Manual:Configuration Manual:Extensions Help:Semantic MediaWiki Help:VisualEditor Help:AbuseFilter Help:Cargo Help:API Manual:Developing MediaWiki extensions Special:Extensions

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