Template:Infobox is a core component of MediaWiki used to create standardized summary boxes, typically displayed in the upper-right corner of an article. These boxes, known as infoboxes, present essential information about the article's subject in a structured and easily digestible format. This article will guide beginners through understanding, creating, and utilizing infoboxes effectively.
An infobox is essentially a Template that defines a specific layout for presenting data. It's designed to quickly convey key facts, such as dates, locations, characteristics, or relevant statistics. Think of it as a snapshot of the most important information, allowing readers to grasp the core details without having to read the entire article.
Infoboxes are particularly useful for:
Biographies: Displaying birthdates, places of birth, occupations, and notable achievements.
Geographical Locations: Presenting coordinates, population, area, and other geographical data.
Organizations: Listing founding dates, headquarters locations, and types of organizations.
Scientific Concepts: Summarizing key properties, classifications, and discoveries.
Films/Books/Games: Displaying release dates, directors/authors, and genre information.
Why Use Infoboxes?
Consistency: Infoboxes promote a consistent look and feel across all articles on a wiki, making it easier for readers to find information. A standardized format is crucial for usability.
Readability: They present information in a clear and concise manner, improving readability and comprehension.
Quick Overview: Infoboxes provide a quick overview of the subject, allowing readers to quickly assess its relevance to their interests.
Data Retrieval: They facilitate data retrieval and analysis, as the information is structured in a predictable format. This is important for Semantic MediaWiki extensions.
Navigation: Infoboxes often contain links to related articles, improving navigation within the wiki.
Understanding the Syntax
Infoboxes are created using MediaWiki's template system. The basic syntax involves using the `{{Infobox` tag, followed by parameters that define the content and layout of the box. Let's break down the key elements:
`{{Infobox` : This opens the infobox template.
`title =` : Specifies the title of the infobox. This is the heading that appears at the top of the box.
`image =` : Specifies the filename of an image to be displayed in the infobox. Use the `File:ImageName.jpgwidth=px` format *within* the parameter value.
`caption =` : Provides a caption for the image.
`header =` : Defines a header for a section within the infobox. You can have multiple `header` parameters to create distinct sections.
`content =` : The main body of the infobox. This is where you'll enter the key information about the subject. You can use standard MediaWiki formatting (e.g., wikilinks, bold text, *italic text*) within the `content` parameter.
`label1 =` , `data1 =` , `label2 =` , `data2 =` , etc.: This is the most common way to define key-value pairs within an infobox. `label1` is the name of the data field (e.g., "Born"), and `data1` is the corresponding value (e.g., "January 1, 1990").
`}}` : This closes the infobox template.
A Simple Example
Let's create a simple infobox for a fictional character named "Alex Johnson":
This code will generate an infobox with the title "Alex Johnson", an image, and two sections: "Personal Information" and "Skills". The "Personal Information" section will display the birthdate, occupation, and nationality, while the "Skills" section will provide a brief description of the character's abilities.
Technical analysis often relies on quickly digestible data, making infoboxes ideal for summarizing key statistical information about assets. For example, an infobox for a stock could include data on its Price-to-Earnings ratio, Dividend Yield, and Beta.
Creating More Complex Infoboxes
Infoboxes can become much more complex, with multiple sections, images, and data points. Here are some advanced techniques:
Using Parameters for Reusability: Instead of hardcoding all the data directly into the infobox, you can define parameters for each piece of information. This makes the infobox more reusable and easier to update.
Conditional Statements: You can use conditional statements (e.g., `#if:`, `#switch:`) to display different information based on the value of a parameter. This allows you to create infoboxes that adapt to different types of subjects.
Templates Within Templates: You can nest templates within infoboxes to create even more complex layouts and functionality.
Using Classes for Styling: You can apply CSS classes to different elements of the infobox to customize its appearance.
Using Existing Infobox Templates
Before creating a new infobox from scratch, it's always a good idea to check if an existing template already meets your needs. Many wikis have a library of pre-built infoboxes for common topics.
To find existing infobox templates:
1. Search the Template Namespace: Go to the `Template:` namespace (e.g., `Template:Infobox Person`, `Template:Infobox Country`). You can use the search function to find templates related to your topic.
2. Browse Category:Templates: Many wikis categorize templates. Look for categories like `Category:Templates` or `Category:Infobox Templates`.
3. Check the Wiki's Documentation: The wiki's documentation may list available infobox templates and provide instructions on how to use them.
Once you find a suitable template, simply copy and paste it into your article and replace the placeholder values with the appropriate information.
Consider the following when choosing an existing infobox:
Relevance: Does the template contain the data fields you need?
Consistency: Is the template used consistently across other articles on the wiki?
Maintainability: Is the template well-maintained and updated?
Customizing Existing Infoboxes
Sometimes, an existing infobox may not perfectly meet your needs. In this case, you can customize it by:
Adding New Parameters: You can add new parameters to the template to display additional information.
Modifying Existing Parameters: You can change the labels or data types of existing parameters.
Changing the Layout: You can adjust the layout of the infobox by rearranging the parameters or adding new sections.
However, be careful when customizing existing infoboxes, especially if they are widely used. Changes to a widely used template can affect many articles on the wiki. It's generally best to create a new template if you need to make significant changes.
Best Practices
Keep it Concise: Infoboxes should be concise and to the point. Avoid including excessive detail.
Use Standardized Labels: Use standardized labels for data fields to ensure consistency across articles.
Provide Sources: Whenever possible, cite sources for the information presented in the infobox.
Use Appropriate Images: Choose images that are relevant to the subject and of high quality.
Test Your Infobox: Before saving your article, preview the infobox to ensure it displays correctly.
Follow Wiki Guidelines: Adhere to the specific infobox guidelines established by your wiki. Many wikis have style guides that dictate how infoboxes should be used.
Accessibility: Ensure your infobox is accessible to users with disabilities. Provide alt text for images and use clear, concise language.
Common Infobox Parameters
Here's a list of common parameters used in infoboxes:
`name` or `title`: The name of the subject.
`image`: The filename of an image.
`caption`: The caption for the image.
`birthdate`: The birthdate of a person.
`deathdate`: The deathdate of a person.
`birthplace`: The place of birth.
`occupation`: The person's occupation.
`nationality`: The person's nationality.
`location`: The location of a place.
`coordinates`: The geographical coordinates of a place.
`population`: The population of a place.
`area`: The area of a place.
`founded`: The founding date of an organization.
`headquarters`: The headquarters location of an organization.
`genre`: The genre of a film, book, or game.
`director`: The director of a film.
`author`: The author of a book.
`developer`: The developer of a game.
`release_date`: The release date of a film, book, or game.
`website`: The official website of the subject.
These are just a few examples. The specific parameters you use will depend on the subject of your article and the purpose of the infobox. Understanding Fibonacci retracement levels can be similar to understanding the parameters within an infobox – both involve identifying key elements and their relationships.
Troubleshooting
Infobox Not Displaying: Check for syntax errors in your code. Make sure you've closed the `
Template:Infobox – A Beginner's Guide
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the `Template:Infobox` tag in MediaWiki, specifically geared towards users new to wiki editing. Infoboxes are a crucial part of a well-structured and informative wiki, offering a concise summary of key facts about a topic. We will cover what infoboxes are, why they're useful, how to use them, common parameters, customization, troubleshooting, and best practices. This guide is written for MediaWiki 1.40.
What is an Infobox?
An infobox (short for "information box") is a standardized template used to present a summary of vital information about a subject in a consistent and visually appealing format. Typically located in the top-right corner of a wiki page, the infobox acts as a quick reference guide for readers. Think of it as a snapshot of the most important details. Unlike free-form text within the article body, infoboxes are structured, using predefined fields (parameters) to display data. This standardization aids readability and allows for easy comparison between different topics. For example, an infobox for a country might include fields for population, capital, official language, and area. An infobox for a stock might include fields for ticker symbol, company name, industry, and current price. The aim is to present essential information in a concise, easily digestible manner. Understanding Help:Templates is fundamental to understanding infoboxes; they *are* templates.
Why Use Infoboxes?
Infoboxes offer several significant advantages:
**Improved Readability:** A well-formatted infobox allows readers to quickly grasp the core details of a topic without having to scan through large blocks of text.
**Consistency:** Using templates ensures consistent presentation across all articles, making the wiki more professional and user-friendly. This consistency helps readers navigate and understand the information presented. Compare this to the chaotic appearance of articles without consistent formatting.
**Data Summarization:** Infoboxes condense complex information into a manageable format, highlighting key facts.
**Navigation:** Infoboxes often contain links to related articles, enhancing navigation within the wiki.
**Data Mining & Automated Processing:** The structured data within infoboxes can be used for automated tasks such as generating lists, reports, and other derived content. This is particularly useful for large wikis with extensive databases of information.
**Visual Appeal:** Infoboxes break up the monotony of text and add visual interest to a page.
How to Use an Infobox: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Find an Existing Infobox Template:** Before creating a new infobox, check if one already exists for your topic. Browse the Special:Templates page to search for relevant templates. For example, if you're writing about a chemical compound, search for "Infobox chemical." Using an existing template is *always* preferred, as it ensures consistency and reduces maintenance.
2. **Include the Template in Your Article:** Once you've found a suitable template, include it in your article using the following syntax:
Replace "Infobox Chemical" with the actual name of the template. This will insert the basic structure of the infobox into your article.
3. **Populate the Parameters:** Infobox templates have predefined parameters (fields) that you need to fill in with specific data. The documentation for each template will list these parameters and explain their purpose. You can find the documentation by clicking the "What links here" link on the template's page (e.g., Special:WhatLinksHere/Template:Infobox Chemical). Parameters are typically specified as `parameter_name = parameter_value`. For example:
```wiki
{{Infobox Chemical
name = Water
formula = H₂O
molar_mass = 18.015 g/mol
density = 1.00 g/cm³
}}
```
4. **Preview and Edit:** Always preview your changes before saving the article. This allows you to check that the infobox is displaying correctly and that all the data is accurate. Edit the parameters as needed to refine the appearance and content of the infobox.
Common Infobox Parameters
While the specific parameters vary depending on the template, some common ones include:
**name:** The primary name of the subject.
**image:** The name of an image file to display in the infobox. Use `image = Example.jpg`.
**caption:** A caption for the image.
**alt:** Alternative text for the image (for accessibility).
**label1/data1, label2/data2, etc.:** Generic parameters for adding custom labels and data. These are useful when a template doesn't have a specific parameter for a particular piece of information.
**unit1, unit2, etc.:** Units associated with the data values.
**link1, link2, etc.:** Links associated with the data values.
**color:** Background color of the infobox (use cautiously).
**above:** Text that appears above the main content of the infobox.
**below:** Text that appears below the main content of the infobox.
The specific parameters and their usage are *always* documented on the template's page. Refer to that documentation for accurate information.
Customizing Infoboxes
While using existing templates is recommended, you may sometimes need to customize them to suit your specific needs. There are several ways to do this:
**Using Generic Parameters:** As mentioned earlier, `label1/data1`, `label2/data2`, etc., allow you to add custom fields without modifying the template itself.
**Creating New Templates:** If you need significant customization, you can create a new infobox template. This requires a good understanding of MediaWiki template syntax and is best left to experienced users. See Help:Creating templates for more information.
**Modifying Existing Templates (with Caution):** If you have the necessary permissions, you can modify existing templates. However, this should be done with extreme caution, as changes to templates can affect many articles. Always discuss significant changes with other editors before implementing them. Consider creating a sub-template for customization instead of directly altering the main template. This allows for easier rollback if necessary.
**Using Conditional Statements:** You can use conditional statements (e.g., `#if`, `#ifeq`) within templates to display different content based on the values of certain parameters. This allows for greater flexibility and adaptability.
Troubleshooting Infobox Issues
Here are some common problems you might encounter when working with infoboxes and how to fix them:
**Infobox Not Displaying:** Ensure you've included the template correctly using the `Template:Template Name` syntax. Check for typos in the template name. Make sure the template exists.
**Incorrect Data Displaying:** Double-check the parameter values you've entered. Ensure you're using the correct units and formatting. Consult the template documentation for guidance.
**Image Not Displaying:** Verify that the image file exists and is uploaded to the wiki. Ensure you've entered the correct image name in the `image` parameter. Check the image's alt text.
**Infobox Formatting Issues:** Incorrect parameter usage or syntax errors can cause formatting problems. Review the template documentation and your code carefully. Use the preview function to identify and correct errors.
**Template Errors:** If a template contains errors, it may not display correctly. Check the template's page for error messages. Report the error to the template's maintainer.
Best Practices for Infoboxes
**Consistency is Key:** Use existing templates whenever possible. If you create a new template, ensure it's consistent with the style and format of other infoboxes on the wiki.
**Accuracy:** Ensure that all the data in the infobox is accurate and up-to-date. Cite your sources if necessary.
**Conciseness:** Keep the infobox concise and focused on the most important information. Avoid including unnecessary details.
**Accessibility:** Provide alternative text for images to ensure accessibility for users with visual impairments.
**Documentation:** Document your templates clearly, explaining the purpose of each parameter.
**Maintainability:** Write templates that are easy to maintain and update.
**Avoid Excessive Customization:** While customization is possible, avoid making changes that deviate significantly from the standard template format.
**Test Thoroughly:** Always test your infoboxes thoroughly before saving the article.
**Collaboration:** Discuss significant changes to templates with other editors before implementing them.
Advanced Infobox Techniques
**Template Loops:** For displaying lists of data, you can use template loops (using parser functions like `#recurse`).
**Data Structures:** Utilize data structures within templates to organize and manage complex information.
**Modules:** Leverage Lua modules to create more powerful and flexible templates. This requires advanced programming knowledge. See Help:Lua for details.
**External Data Sources:** Integrate data from external sources (e.g., databases, APIs) using extensions like Wikidata.
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Image Not Displaying: Verify that the image file exists and that you've used the correct filename. Ensure the image is uploaded to the wiki.
Parameters Not Working: Double-check the spelling of the parameters and make sure you're using the correct syntax.
Layout Issues: Experiment with different formatting options to adjust the layout of the infobox. Consider using CSS classes to customize the appearance.
If you're still having trouble, consult the wiki's documentation or ask for help from other users. Learning about Elliott Wave Theory can also teach you about pattern recognition, a skill useful for debugging template issues.
Your wiki's specific infobox guidelines. Understanding Bollinger Bands requires understanding the underlying principles of statistical deviation, just as mastering infoboxes requires understanding the principles of template syntax.
Candlestick patterns – Recognizing patterns is key to both trading and effective template usage.
Moving Averages – Smoothing out data, similar to how infoboxes present a summarized view.
Relative Strength Index (RSI) – A metric for assessing momentum, akin to quickly grasping key facts from an infobox.
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Ocean currents are continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by a number of forces acting upon the water, like wind, temperature, salinity, and Earth's rotation. They play a crucial role in regulating global climate, distributing heat, and supporting marine ecosystems. Understanding ocean currents is fundamental to understanding weather patterns, marine life distribution, and even historical navigation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ocean currents for beginners.
Driving Forces Behind Ocean Currents
Several factors combine to create and sustain ocean currents. These can broadly be categorized into:
Wind-Driven Currents (Surface Currents): These are the most visually apparent currents and are primarily driven by prevailing winds. The trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies exert a force on the ocean surface, dragging the water along. Because of Coriolis effect, these currents are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection leads to the formation of large, circular currents called gyres. The major gyres include the North Atlantic Gyre, the South Atlantic Gyre, the North Pacific Gyre, the South Pacific Gyre, and the Indian Ocean Gyre. These gyres are responsible for significant heat transport around the globe. Understanding technical analysis of weather patterns can help predict wind strength and direction, influencing surface current behavior.
Thermohaline Circulation (Deep Ocean Currents): This is a global system of currents driven by differences in water density. "Thermo" refers to temperature, and "haline" refers to salinity. Cold, salty water is denser than warm, less salty water. This denser water sinks in polar regions, primarily in the North Atlantic and around Antarctica, and flows along the ocean floor. This sinking process drives a slow but powerful current that circulates throughout the world's oceans, taking centuries to complete a full cycle. The momentum indicator can be used to analyze the speed and consistency of this circulation over long periods. Changes in temperature and salinity, potentially caused by climate change, are affecting thermohaline circulation, a subject of ongoing trend analysis.
Coriolis Effect: As mentioned above, the Earth's rotation causes the Coriolis effect, deflecting moving objects (including water) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is critical in shaping the direction of both surface and deep ocean currents. Predictive statistical arbitrage models incorporate Coriolis force calculations.
Gravity: Gravitational pull from the Moon and Sun contributes to tides, creating tidal currents. These currents are localized and predictable but can be significant in certain coastal areas. Analyzing price action during tidal flow can reveal patterns in certain coastal markets.
Landmasses: The configuration of continents and islands deflects and redirects ocean currents, creating complex flow patterns. The shape of coastlines also influences local currents. Geographic chart patterns can be overlaid with current maps for a comprehensive view.
Types of Ocean Currents
Ocean currents can be classified based on several criteria:
Surface Currents: These currents occur in the upper 400 meters (1,300 feet) of the ocean and are primarily wind-driven. They are relatively warm and contribute significantly to heat distribution. Examples include the Gulf Stream, the Kuroshio Current, the Brazil Current, and the Humboldt Current (Peru Current). Analyzing relative strength index can indicate shifts in the power of these currents.
Deep Ocean Currents: These currents flow below 400 meters and are driven by thermohaline circulation. They are typically cold, dense, and slow-moving. Examples include the North Atlantic Deep Water and the Antarctic Bottom Water. Long-term moving averages help track the subtle changes in these deep currents.
Warm Currents: These currents originate in equatorial regions and carry warm water towards higher latitudes. They generally moderate the climate of coastal regions. The Gulf Stream is a prime example. Monitoring support and resistance levels in sea surface temperature data can indicate current strength.
Cold Currents: These currents originate in polar regions or upwell from deep waters and carry cold water towards lower latitudes. They tend to create drier climates along coastal areas. The California Current and the Peru Current are examples. Tracking Fibonacci retracement levels in current velocity data helps predict potential reversals.
Western Boundary Currents: These are strong, warm, and narrow currents that flow along the western edges of ocean basins. The Gulf Stream, Kuroshio Current, and Brazil Current are examples. They transport a significant amount of heat. Utilizing Elliott Wave Theory to analyze current patterns can predict future movements.
Eastern Boundary Currents: These are broad, shallow, and slow-moving currents that flow along the eastern edges of ocean basins. The California Current, Peru Current, and Canary Current are examples. They are often associated with upwelling. Analyzing Bollinger Bands on current speed data can highlight volatility.
Equatorial Currents: These currents flow along the equator, driven by the trade winds. The North Equatorial Current and the South Equatorial Current are examples. Applying Ichimoku Cloud analysis to equatorial current data can identify favorable trading zones.
Upwelling Currents: These currents bring cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface. They are important for marine ecosystems and fisheries. The California Current and the Peru Current are known for upwelling. Employing MACD divergence analysis to identify changes in upwelling intensity.
Downwelling Currents: These currents push surface water downward, often occurring where currents converge. They can deplete oxygen levels in the water. Studying candlestick patterns in oceanographic data can reveal downwelling events.
Tidal Currents: These are periodic currents caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. They are particularly strong in coastal areas and estuaries. Analyzing volume analysis can correlate tidal current strength with water displacement.
Major Ocean Currents and Their Impacts
Gulf Stream: This powerful warm current originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows along the eastern coast of North America, then crosses the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe. It significantly moderates the climate of Western Europe, making it much warmer than it would otherwise be. Risk management strategies are crucial when predicting Gulf Stream alterations.
Kuroshio Current: Similar to the Gulf Stream, this is a warm current that flows along the eastern coast of Japan and across the North Pacific Ocean. It influences the climate of Japan and the western coast of North America. Understanding market microstructure is vital for analyzing Kuroshio’s impact on shipping routes.
Humboldt Current (Peru Current): This cold current flows along the western coast of South America. It is associated with upwelling, bringing nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting a highly productive fishery. Applying fundamental analysis to fisheries data correlated with Humboldt Current activity.
California Current: This cold current flows along the western coast of North America. It also supports upwelling and a rich marine ecosystem. Using algorithmic trading to predict California Current shifts based on historical data.
North Atlantic Drift: A continuation of the Gulf Stream, this current brings warm water towards Northern Europe. Its weakening could have significant climate consequences. Applying Monte Carlo simulation to model the potential impacts of a North Atlantic Drift slowdown.
Antarctic Circumpolar Current: This current flows around Antarctica and is the largest ocean current in the world. It plays a critical role in regulating global climate and distributing heat. Analyzing correlation analysis between Antarctic Circumpolar Current and global temperature.
The Impact of Climate Change on Ocean Currents
Climate change is having a significant impact on ocean currents. Rising global temperatures are causing:
Melting of Ice: The melting of glaciers and ice sheets adds freshwater to the ocean, reducing salinity and potentially slowing down thermohaline circulation. Scenario planning is key to assessing the long-term effects of glacial melt.
Changes in Temperature: Warming ocean temperatures can alter the density of water, affecting thermohaline circulation. Utilizing sensitivity analysis to determine the impact of temperature variations on current strength.
Altered Wind Patterns: Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns can affect wind-driven currents. Applying time series analysis to predict future wind pattern shifts.
Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean leads to acidification, which can impact marine ecosystems and potentially alter current dynamics. Employing regression analysis to model the relationship between ocean acidification and current alterations.
These changes could lead to significant disruptions in global climate patterns, sea levels, and marine ecosystems. Predictive machine learning algorithms are being used to model these complex interactions. Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) related to ocean health is vital. Using data visualization techniques to present complex current data in an accessible format. The concept of black swan events is relevant in considering unforeseen disruptions to ocean currents. Analyzing historical volatility of current patterns. Considering tail risk in predicting future current behavior. Employing stochastic modeling for probabilistic forecasting of current shifts.
Studying Ocean Currents
Ocean currents are studied using a variety of methods:
Surface Drifters: These are floating devices that track the movement of surface currents.
Subsurface Floats: These devices measure temperature, salinity, and velocity at various depths.
Satellite Observations: Satellites can measure sea surface temperature, sea surface height, and ocean color, providing information about currents.
Shipboard Measurements: Research vessels collect data on currents, temperature, and salinity.
Numerical Models: Computer models are used to simulate ocean currents and predict their behavior. Model validation is crucial for ensuring accuracy. Using optimization techniques to refine model parameters.
Oceanography, the study of the oceans, is a complex and interdisciplinary field. Further research is constantly refining our understanding of these vital systems. Marine biology relies heavily on understanding current patterns. Meteorology is intrinsically linked to ocean current behavior. Geophysics provides insights into the forces driving currents.