Template:Use dmy dates
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template to be present on the page (usually implicitly handled by other style templates).
- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
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Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
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Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners
End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [2](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [3](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
==Understanding the `
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template to be present on the page (usually implicitly handled by other style templates).
- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners
End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [5](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [6](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template==
The `
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
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Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners
End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [8](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [9](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template to be present on the page (usually implicitly handled by other style templates).
- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners
End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [11](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [12](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners
End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [14](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [15](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
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Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners
End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [17](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [18](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template to be present on the page (usually implicitly handled by other style templates).
- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [19](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [20](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [21](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template to be present on the page (usually implicitly handled by other style templates).
- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `
- Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Use dmy dates is a meta-template used on Wikipedia to indicate that an article primarily uses day–month–year (dmy) date format. This article provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on understanding, implementing, and utilizing this template effectively within the MediaWiki environment. This includes understanding why date formats are important, the nuances of dmy versus mdy, how the template functions, its parameters, common mistakes to avoid, and its relationship to other date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia. We will also briefly touch on how date formats influence readability and accessibility, and how this applies to broader content creation principles. Finally, we'll connect this to the world of financial analysis, where precise date handling is crucial for interpreting candlestick patterns, moving averages, and Fibonacci retracements.
Why Date Formatting Matters
Consistent date formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Readability: A consistent format makes it easier for readers to quickly understand when events occurred. Inconsistent formats disrupt the flow of reading and can lead to misinterpretations. Consider the difference between reading "January 2, 2024," "2 January 2024," and "2024-01-02." Each requires a slightly different mental parsing step.
- Accessibility: People from different regions have different default date expectations. Using a consistent format, and clearly indicating which format is used, ensures that the information is accessible to a wider audience. Screen readers and other assistive technologies also rely on consistent formatting to correctly interpret dates.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting aids in searching and indexing. Databases and search engines can more efficiently process dates when they adhere to a uniform structure.
- Professionalism: Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing the credibility of the content. In the context of financial reporting, this is paramount; inaccurate dates can lead to flawed technical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Consistent date formatting is essential for accurate data analysis. Incorrectly formatted dates can lead to errors in calculations, charts, and reports. For example, incorrect dates can skew Bollinger Band calculations or misrepresent the timing of Elliott Wave patterns.
Dmy vs. Mdy: A Regional Perspective
The most common date format debate revolves around day–month–year (dmy) and month–day–year (mdy).
- Dmy (DD Month YYYY): This format is prevalent in most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and many other parts of the world. For example, 25 December 2023.
- Mdy (Month DD, YYYY): This format is standard in the United States and a few other countries. For example, December 25, 2023.
Wikipedia generally adheres to the principle of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers#Regional date formats. It encourages articles to use a consistent date format throughout. If an article is on a topic strongly associated with a specific region (e.g., the American Civil War), the regional format is often preferred. However, if there’s no strong regional association, the initial date format used in the article should be maintained consistently. The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template signals that the article predominantly employs the dmy format.
Understanding the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` Template
The `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template is a hidden meta-template. This means it doesn't visibly appear in the body of the article. Instead, it's placed in one of the article's maintenance categories, typically at the very bottom, to inform editors and bots that the article uses the dmy date format. This information is used by tools like AWB (AutoWikiBrowser) to automatically correct date formats during mass edits.
The template's primary function is to categorize the article and signal formatting preference to automated tools. It prevents bots from automatically converting dates to the mdy format, which could disrupt the article's consistency. It's a crucial element in maintaining stylistic coherence across Wikipedia. Think of it as a flag that tells the system, "This article speaks 'dmy'!"
How to Implement the Template
Implementing the template is incredibly simple. Just add the following code to the bottom of the article's source code (edit page):
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates ```
That’s it! The template will automatically categorize the article. No parameters are required for basic functionality. However, there *are* parameters available for more nuanced control (see section below).
Template Parameters
While `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` functions perfectly with no parameters, several parameters offer greater flexibility:
- `|no cats` (Boolean): If set to `yes`, this parameter prevents the template from adding the article to any categories. This is useful in rare cases where categorization is undesirable. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|df` (Date format code): This parameter, in conjunction with the template `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, allows for specifying a more specific date format within the dmy scheme. For example, `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` would encourage the use of full month names (e.g., 25 December 2023). Other options include `dmy-short` (e.g., 25 Dec 2023). This parameter requires the `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` template to be present on the page (usually implicitly handled by other style templates).
- `|comment` (Text): This parameter allows you to add a comment to the template, which can be helpful for explaining why the dmy format was chosen or for leaving notes for other editors. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
Start Trading Now
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`, `
- Template:End date
Template:End date is a MediaWiki template designed to dynamically display an end date, often used in conjunction with start dates to represent the duration of an event, project, or period. It’s particularly useful in contexts like financial data analysis, project management within a wiki, event planning, or tracking the lifespan of a specific market trend. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the `Template:End date` template, covering its functionality, parameters, examples, and best practices. It assumes a basic understanding of MediaWiki syntax.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:End date` is to present a date in a consistent and easily readable format across a wiki. Instead of manually typing dates, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, this template allows you to input a date in a standardized way, and it will render it according to the wiki's default date format. More importantly, it is designed to be used *with* a corresponding Template:Start date template, to easily calculate and display the duration between the two dates. This is crucial for tracking time-sensitive information, especially in fields like Technical Analysis where timing is paramount.
Functionality
The template takes a date as input and formats it according to the wiki’s configured date preferences. It leverages the built-in MediaWiki parser functions, specifically `{{#time}}`, to achieve this formatting. The template essentially acts as a wrapper around this parser function, providing a simplified and standardized interface for date display. Its core functionality also allows for easy integration with other templates to calculate differences between dates, as explained later. Understanding the underlying principles of Candlestick Patterns can be enhanced by accurately representing the timeframes involved, and this template supports that.
Parameters
The `Template:End date` template accepts a single, mandatory parameter:
- `1` (or unnamed parameter): This parameter represents the date to be displayed. The date must be in a format that MediaWiki's parser functions can understand. Commonly accepted formats include:
* `YYYY-MM-DD` (e.g., `2023-10-27`) - This is the *recommended* format for consistency. * `YYYY-MM` (e.g., `2023-10`) - Displays the date to the month level. * `YYYY` (e.g., `2023`) - Displays the date to the year level. * Unix timestamp (e.g., `1698403200`) - A numerical representation of the date. * Natural language (e.g., `tomorrow`, `next Friday`) - MediaWiki will attempt to interpret these, but this is less reliable. Avoid these for critical data.
The template does *not* currently support named parameters, relying solely on the positional parameter `1`. Future iterations might include named parameters for more advanced formatting options. Consider also Fibonacci Retracement when analyzing time-based data, as it often correlates with date-specific price movements.
Usage Examples
Here are several examples demonstrating how to use the `Template:End date` template:
- Example 1: Basic Usage (YYYY-MM-DD)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to MM DD, YYYY).
- Example 2: Month-Level Date (YYYY-MM)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 2023` (assuming the wiki's date format is set to Month YYYY).
- Example 3: Year-Level Date (YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `2023`
- Example 4: Using a Unix Timestamp
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: `October 27, 2023` (The timestamp corresponds to October 27, 2023).
- Example 5: Combining with Template:Start date to calculate duration
This is where the real power of these templates becomes apparent. First, assume you have a Template:Start date template that functions similarly, taking a date as a parameter. Then:
```wiki Start Date:
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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End Date: Template loop detected: Template:End date
Duration: {{#time:d|
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} days
```
This will display:
``` Start Date: October 20, 2023 End Date: October 27, 2023 Duration: 7 days ```
The `{{#time:d|...|...}}` parser function calculates the difference in days between the start and end dates. You can change the `d` to `m` for months, `y` for years, or `h` for hours, etc. Remember to explore different Chart Patterns to identify potential turning points based on these durations.
- Example 6: Using with a variable
```wiki
{{#let: myDate = 2024-01-15 }}Template loop detected: Template:End date
```
This will display: January 15, 2024. Useful for dynamic date assignment.
Integration with other Templates and Parser Functions
The `Template:End date` template is designed to work seamlessly with other MediaWiki features. Here's how:
- `{{#time}}` Parser Function: As mentioned earlier, the template internally utilizes `{{#time}}`. You can directly use this function within the template if you need more complex date formatting. For example, `{{#time:l, d F Y|2023-10-27}}` would display "Friday, 27 October 2023."
- `{{#if}}` Conditional Statement: You can use `{{#if}}` to conditionally display the end date based on certain criteria. For example:
```wiki
{{#if: {{#time:Y|Template loop detected: Template:End date}} = 2023 | End Date is in 2023 | End Date is not in 2023}}
```
- `{{#switch}}` Multi-Conditional Statement: Similar to `{{#if}}`, `{{#switch}}` allows you to display different content based on the end date's value.
- `{{#var}}` and `{{#let}}` Variable Assignment: You can store dates in variables using `{{#let}}` and then use `{{#var}}` to reference them within the `Template:End date`. This is useful for dynamic date calculations.
- Template:Start date and Duration Calculation: As demonstrated in the examples, combining `Template:End date` with `Template:Start date` and the `{{#time}}` parser function is the most powerful application of this template.
Understanding Elliott Wave Theory requires precise timing, and these templates can assist in marking potential wave boundaries.
Best Practices
- Use YYYY-MM-DD Format: Always use the `YYYY-MM-DD` format for the date parameter to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.
- Consistency is Key: Use the template consistently throughout the wiki to maintain a uniform date display style.
- Test Thoroughly: After creating or modifying the template, test it with various date formats to ensure it functions as expected.
- Document Usage: Clearly document the template's parameters and usage examples on its documentation page.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki serves a multilingual audience, consider implementing localization features to display dates according to the user's preferred locale. This may require more complex template logic.
- Error Handling: While not currently implemented, future versions could include error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats.
- Avoid Natural Language Dates: While MediaWiki *can* interpret natural language dates, it's prone to errors. Always use a standardized date format.
- Combine with Start Date Template: Maximize the utility of this template by always using it in conjunction with the Template:Start date template for duration calculations. This is highly relevant when examining Moving Averages and their crossover points.
- Be mindful of Time Zones: Dates are often interpreted in UTC. If your data requires a specific time zone, consider incorporating time zone handling into your templates or calculations. This is vital for Forex Trading strategies.
Potential Enhancements
- Named Parameters: Adding named parameters would allow for more flexible formatting options (e.g., `format=F j, Y` for "October 27, 2023").
- Error Handling: Implementing error handling to gracefully handle invalid date formats and display a user-friendly error message.
- Localization Support: Adding support for different date formats based on the user's locale.
- Time Zone Support: Allowing users to specify a time zone for the date.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Developing a mechanism to fetch dates from external data sources, such as APIs.
- Customizable Output: Adding options to customize the output format beyond what's available through `{{#time}}`. These features would greatly enhance its utility for Day Trading and swing trading applications. Analyzing Relative Strength Index (RSI) often requires precise date tracking.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: If the date is not displaying correctly, double-check that you are using a valid and supported date format (preferably YYYY-MM-DD).
- Parser Function Errors: If you are using the template in conjunction with other parser functions and encounter errors, carefully review the syntax of those functions.
- Wiki Configuration: Ensure that your wiki's date format settings are configured correctly. Incorrect wiki settings will affect how the template renders dates.
- Template Conflicts: If you have other templates that might be interfering with the `Template:End date`, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Understanding Bollinger Bands often requires accurate date-based calculations.
- Cache Issues: Occasionally, the wiki's cache might be outdated. Try purging the cache to see if that fixes the problem. This is particularly important when analyzing MACD signals.
- Check for Typos: Carefully review the template code and your usage of it for any typos or syntax errors. Even a small mistake can prevent the template from working correctly. Keep in mind the principles of Japanese Candlesticks when interpreting date-based price patterns.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `
- Template:ISOdate
Template:ISOdate is a MediaWiki template designed to consistently format dates in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 standard. This standard, YYYY-MM-DD, is widely used for unambiguous date representation in databases, software, and international communication. Using this template ensures consistency across a wiki, aiding in sorting, searching, and data processing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using and understanding the `Template:ISOdate` template, aimed at beginners.
What is ISO 8601?
Before diving into the template itself, it's crucial to understand *why* ISO 8601 is important. Traditional date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) are prone to ambiguity. For example, 01/02/2024 can be interpreted as January 2nd or February 1st depending on regional conventions. ISO 8601 eliminates this ambiguity by always representing dates as YYYY-MM-DD – year, month, and day, separated by hyphens. This format is universally understood, regardless of location. It's a cornerstone of data integrity and facilitates accurate Data Management.
Furthermore, ISO 8601 isn’t limited to just dates. It also covers date and time combinations, and time zones, but this template focuses solely on the date portion. Understanding the benefits of a standardized format is essential when considering Wiki Standards.
Why Use Template:ISOdate?
While you *could* manually type dates in the ISO 8601 format, using a template offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Ensures all dates on your wiki are formatted identically, even if different editors contribute. This improves readability and professionalism.
- Automation: Simplifies date entry. You don’t have to remember the correct format.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of typos and formatting mistakes.
- Sorting: Dates formatted as YYYY-MM-DD sort correctly alphabetically. This is extremely useful for creating chronologically ordered lists or categories. Consider how sorting impacts Wiki Navigation.
- Searchability: Consistent formatting makes it easier to search for dates within the wiki content.
- Future-proofing: If the wiki's date formatting conventions ever need to change, updating the template is much easier than modifying every date manually. This relates to Wiki Maintenance.
How to Use Template:ISOdate
The `Template:ISOdate` template is remarkably simple to use. It accepts three primary parameters: year, month, and day.
Syntax:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate ```
- year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 2024).
- month: The two-digit month (e.g., 01 for January, 12 for December). Leading zeros are *required* for months less than 10.
- day: The two-digit day of the month (e.g., 01, 31). Leading zeros are *required* for days less than 10.
Examples:
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2023-12-25
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 2024-01-01
- `Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate` renders as 1999-07-04
Important Notes:
- The parameters are positional. The order *must* be year, month, and day.
- Leading zeros are crucial for correct formatting and sorting. Without them, dates might not sort correctly.
- The template does *not* perform any validation. It will accept invalid dates (e.g., 2023-13-40) and simply output them as is. It’s the responsibility of the editor to ensure the input values are valid. This is where careful Content Review is important.
Advanced Usage and Parameters
While the basic usage is straightforward, `Template:ISOdate` offers some additional features and parameters:
- Named Parameters: You can use named parameters for improved readability and flexibility.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This produces the same output (2024-02-15) but is arguably easier to understand, especially when dealing with multiple parameters. Using named parameters enhances Wiki Code Readability.
- Optional Parameters for Display Text: You can add a fourth parameter to specify text to be displayed instead of the date itself. This is useful for situations where you want to link to a page about a specific date.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:ISOdate
```
This would render "January 1, 2024" and, if properly configured with a corresponding page, create a link to that page. This parameter leverages Wiki Linking.
- Error Handling (Limited): The template doesn't have robust error handling. However, you can combine it with other templates or parser functions to detect and display errors if invalid dates are entered. This can be achieved through conditional statements using `#if:` or `#switch:`. More advanced error handling could involve integrating with Wiki Extensions.
- Integration with other Templates: `Template:ISOdate` can be seamlessly integrated with other templates. For example, a template for historical events could use `Template:ISOdate` to format the dates of those events. This promotes Template Reusability.
Common Use Cases
Here are some practical examples of how you can use `Template:ISOdate` within a wiki:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: Formatting dates of birth, anniversaries, or significant events.
- Historical Timelines: Creating chronologically ordered timelines of historical events. This is closely related to Wiki Organization.
- Log Files and Reports: Standardizing date formatting in log files, reports, or data tables.
- Event Scheduling: Displaying event dates in a consistent format.
- Database Integration: Preparing dates for import into databases or other systems that require ISO 8601 formatting.
- Financial Data: Recording transaction dates, reporting dates, and market data timestamps. This is relevant to topics like Financial Modeling and Market Analysis.
- Scientific Data: Documenting experiment dates, observation dates, and sample collection dates.
Comparison with Other Date Formatting Options
MediaWiki offers several ways to format dates. Here's a comparison of `Template:ISOdate` with some common alternatives:
- Manual Formatting: Typing dates directly in the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). This is prone to errors and inconsistencies.
- `Template:Date` Template: A more versatile template that can format dates in various ways, including ISO 8601. However, it's more complex to use than `Template:ISOdate` and doesn’t enforce the ISO 8601 format exclusively.
- `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` Template: Used for displaying dates relative to a starting date. Useful for calculating durations. It can be combined with `Template:ISOdate` to represent the start and end dates in ISO 8601 format.
- Parser Functions: Using parser functions like `{{#time}}` to format dates. This offers greater control but requires more advanced wiki markup knowledge. Parser functions are essential for Dynamic Content.
- Wiki Extensions: Installing wiki extensions that provide more sophisticated date formatting capabilities. Extensions expand the functionality of MediaWiki Features.
`Template:ISOdate` strikes a balance between simplicity, consistency, and adherence to the ISO 8601 standard. It's the ideal choice when you need a straightforward way to format dates without the complexity of other options.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Always use leading zeros: This is crucial for correct sorting and formatting.
- Validate dates: Double-check the year, month, and day values to ensure they are valid.
- Consider localization: While ISO 8601 is internationally recognized, be mindful of your audience. If your wiki caters to a specific region, you might consider providing alternative date formats alongside the ISO 8601 date. This relates to Wiki Accessibility.
- Document usage: Clearly document the purpose and usage of `Template:ISOdate` on its template page.
- Maintain consistency: Once you adopt `Template:ISOdate`, use it consistently throughout your wiki.
- Be aware of time zones: ISO 8601 can also include time zone information. This template focuses solely on the date portion. If you need to handle time zones, consider using a more comprehensive date/time formatting solution. This is important for Global Collaboration.
- Explore related templates: Investigate other date-related templates available on your wiki to see if they can complement `Template:ISOdate`. Look for templates related to Technical Indicators and Trading Strategies which often require precise date handling.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Formatting: If the date is not displayed in the YYYY-MM-DD format, check for missing leading zeros or incorrect parameter order.
- Template Not Working: Ensure the template page exists and is not protected.
- Sorting Issues: If dates are not sorting correctly, verify that all dates are formatted with leading zeros.
- Link Not Working: If the optional link parameter isn't working, check that the corresponding page exists and is correctly linked.
If you encounter persistent issues, consult the wiki's help pages or ask for assistance from other editors. Understanding Wiki Troubleshooting is invaluable for maintaining a healthy wiki.
Further Resources
- ISO 8601 standard: [22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601)
- MediaWiki Help on Templates: [23](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Templates)
- MediaWiki Parser Functions: [24](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/ParserFunctions)
- Understanding Candlestick Patterns and their associated dates.
- Using dates in Fibonacci Retracements calculations.
- Applying dates to Moving Averages analysis.
- Tracking Bollinger Bands based on specific dates.
- Analyzing MACD crossovers with precise date timestamps.
- Identifying Support and Resistance Levels over time.
- Understanding Trend Lines and their formation dates.
- Using dates in Volume Analysis.
- Applying dates to Elliott Wave Theory.
- Analyzing Ichimoku Cloud signals based on date ranges.
- Understanding the impact of Economic Calendars and dates.
- Using dates in Risk Management strategies.
- Analyzing Correlation Analysis over specific time periods.
- Applying dates to Backtesting trading strategies.
- Understanding the importance of dates in Portfolio Diversification.
- Analyzing Market Sentiment based on date trends.
- Using dates in Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding the impact of News Events on specific dates.
- Analyzing Gap Analysis based on date patterns.
- Using dates in Swing Trading strategies.
- Applying dates to Day Trading analysis.
- Understanding Position Sizing based on date and risk.
- Using dates in Long-Term Investing.
- Analyzing Value Investing opportunities based on date trends.
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template loop detected: Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners`.
- `|discuss` (Boolean): Setting this to `yes` adds the article to a discussion category for date format consistency. This is useful for articles where there's ongoing debate about the preferred format. Example: `Template:Use dmy dates`.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placement: Always place the template at the very bottom of the article's source code, after all other content and templates.
- Multiple Instances: Do not add the template multiple times to the same article. One instance is sufficient. Multiple instances can cause unexpected behavior.
- Incorrect Syntax: Ensure the syntax is correct. Even a minor typo can prevent the template from functioning properly.
- Overriding with Inline Formatting: Avoid manually changing dates within the article to mdy format. The template is meant to enforce consistency. If you encounter dates in mdy format, correct them to dmy.
- Ignoring Regional Conventions: While the template enforces dmy, be mindful of regional conventions if the article's topic is strongly associated with a region that prefers mdy. In such cases, consider whether the dmy format is truly appropriate. Engage in discussion with other editors if there's disagreement.
- Confusing with `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and related templates: `
- Template:Start date
Template:Start date is a MediaWiki template designed to display a date in a standardized, human-readable format, particularly useful for indicating the start date of events, projects, or periods within a wiki. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and customizing the `Template:Start date` template for beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, examples, potential issues, and related templates. This template is invaluable for maintaining consistency when documenting timelines and historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Start date` is to consistently format dates across a wiki. Without a standardized template, dates might appear in various formats (e.g., January 1, 2023, 1/1/2023, 2023-01-01), leading to visual clutter and potential confusion. This template ensures that all start dates are displayed in a uniform manner, enhancing readability and professionalism. It’s particularly useful for projects that involve tracking timelines, historical events, or scheduled activities. Effective date formatting is crucial for data integrity and usability, especially when dealing with Time series analysis.
Basic Usage
The simplest way to use the template is to provide a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. The template will then automatically format it into a more readable format, typically "January 1, 2023".
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Start date ```
This will output:
January 1, 2023
Parameters
The `Template:Start date` template accepts several parameters to customize the output. Here's a breakdown of each parameter:
- 1 (Date): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the start date in YYYY-MM-DD format. For example, `2023-12-25` represents December 25, 2023. Incorrectly formatted dates will likely result in errors or unexpected output.
- format: (Optional) This parameter allows you to specify a custom date format using PHP's `date()` function format codes. This provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, `format=d.m.Y` would output "25.12.2023". Refer to the PHP date() function documentation for a complete list of format codes. Using custom formats requires a good understanding of these codes.
- month: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the month name. This is useful if you want to override the template's automatic month detection, perhaps for localization or specific stylistic requirements. Accepts the month name as a string (e.g., `month=December`).
- day: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the day of the month. Similar to 'month', this overrides the template's automatic day detection. Accepts the day as a string (e.g., `day=25`).
- year: (Optional) This parameter allows you to explicitly specify the year. Overrides the template's automatic year detection. Accepts the year as a string (e.g., `year=2023`).
- hideyear: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that controls whether the year is displayed. If set to `true`, the year will be omitted. Default is `false` (year is displayed). Example: `hideyear=true`. This can be useful when the context clearly implies the year.
- showfullmonth: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the full month name is displayed. If set to `true`, "January" will be displayed instead of "Jan". Default is `false`. Example: `showfullmonth=true`.
- link: (Optional) A boolean parameter (true/false) that determines whether the date is linked to a corresponding page (e.g., a page for that specific date). Default is `false`. Example: `link=true`. This is helpful for creating navigable timelines.
- separator: (Optional) Allows you to change the separator character between the day, month and year. Default is a comma and a space (", "). Example: `separator=.` will output the date with a period as a separator.
Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating how to use the template with different parameters:
- Basic Usage:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024
- Custom Format:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: 15/03/2024
- Hiding the Year:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15
- Showing the Full Month Name:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (No change in this case, as the default behaviour is often to use the full month name)
- Linking the Date:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (Assuming a page exists for "March 15, 2024")
- Combining Parameters:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March 15, 2024 (The format parameter will be overridden by hideyear)
- Using a custom separator:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Start date
```
Output: March.15.2024
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Date Format: The most common issue is providing the date in a format other than YYYY-MM-DD. Ensure the date is entered correctly.
- Invalid Format Codes: If using the `format` parameter, ensure the format codes are valid PHP `date()` function codes. Incorrect codes will result in errors or unexpected output. Consult the PHP date() function documentation.
- Missing Pages for Linked Dates: If the `link` parameter is set to `true`, but the corresponding date page does not exist, the output will be a red link. Create the page to resolve this.
- Template Conflicts: Rarely, conflicts can occur if other templates or extensions modify the output of this template. If this happens, investigate the interaction between the templates and extensions.
- Localization: The default output is in English. For wikis using other languages, consider using the `month` parameter to specify the month name in the desired language or exploring localization extensions. This is related to Localization strategies.
Related Templates
Several other templates complement `Template:Start date` and provide related functionality:
- Template:End date: Displays an end date in a standardized format. Often used in conjunction with `Template:Start date` to define a period.
- Template:Duration: Calculates and displays the duration between a start and end date.
- Template:Date: A more general-purpose date formatting template, offering more options than `Template:Start date`.
- Template:Now: Displays the current date and time.
- Template:Age: Calculates and displays the age based on a birth date.
- Template:Timeline: Creates visual timelines based on a series of dates.
- Template:Event timeline: Similar to timeline, but optimized for event-based timelines.
- Template:Year: Displays only the year from a given date.
- Template:Month: Displays only the month from a given date.
- Template:Day: Displays only the day from a given date.
Advanced Usage and Customization
For more advanced users, the `Template:Start date` template can be extended and customized through the use of parser functions and Lua modules. This allows for more complex date calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other wiki features. For example, you could use parser functions to dynamically determine whether a date falls within a specific range or to display different text based on the date. This involves a deeper understanding of MediaWiki's template system and programming languages like Lua. Consider studying MediaWiki extension development for more complex customizations.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Always use `Template:Start date` (or a similar standardized template) for all start dates in your wiki.
- YYYY-MM-DD Format: Provide the date in YYYY-MM-DD format to ensure correct parsing.
- Use Parameters Wisely: Only use the optional parameters when necessary to customize the output. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes to the template or its usage, test thoroughly to ensure the output is as expected.
- Document Your Changes: If you modify the template, document your changes clearly for future maintainers.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure the date format is accessible to users with disabilities. Use clear and concise language.
- Understand Date Interpretation: Be mindful of regional differences in date interpretation (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) and choose a format that is unambiguous for your target audience. This is relevant to Global market analysis.
Further Resources
- PHP date() function documentation
- MediaWiki Templates
- MediaWiki Parser Functions
- MediaWiki Lua Scripting
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:Linking
- Time management strategies
- Risk management in trading
- Candlestick pattern analysis
- Fibonacci retracement levels
- Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Bollinger Bands
- Elliott Wave Theory
- Support and Resistance levels
- Trend lines and channels
- Chart pattern recognition
- Technical indicator combinations
- Market sentiment analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Volatility trading strategies
- Swing trading techniques
- Day trading strategies
- Position trading approaches
- Algorithmic trading concepts
- Backtesting strategies
- Forex market analysis
- Stock market trends
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Options trading strategies
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` and similar templates are for displaying dates *within* the article content, while `Template:Use dmy dates` is a meta-template for indicating the *overall* date formatting preference. Don’t use them interchangeably.
Relationship to Other Date Formatting Tools and Guidelines
`{{Use dmy dates}` is part of a larger ecosystem of date formatting tools and guidelines on Wikipedia:
- `
- Template:Date format
Template:Date format is a powerful and versatile MediaWiki template used to consistently format dates across a wiki, ensuring uniformity and readability. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing this template, geared towards beginners. It will cover its purpose, parameters, usage examples, customization options, and common troubleshooting tips. Understanding date formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and coherent wiki, especially in areas like Help:Page history tracking, Help:Timestamps and article creation dates, and presentation of historical data.
Purpose
The primary purpose of `Template:Date format` is to standardize the display of dates. Different users have different regional preferences for date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY). Without a standard, a wiki can quickly become inconsistent and confusing. This template abstracts away these regional variations, allowing content creators to enter dates in a consistent internal format while the template handles the presentation based on the user's wiki preferences or a specified format. This standardization is vital for maintaining the integrity of information, particularly in contexts where date order is significant, such as financial data, historical events, or project timelines. Consider its impact on Help:Linking to wikis, as consistent date formats contribute to better data exchange.
Core Parameters
The `Template:Date format` template accepts several parameters, allowing for flexible date formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones:
- `1` (Date Input): This is the *required* parameter. It represents the date to be formatted. This date *must* be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. This is the internal representation the template expects. For example, `2023-10-27`.
- `format` (Format String): This optional parameter allows you to override the default date format. It accepts a format string using the PHP `date()` function syntax. See the PHP manual on date() function for a complete list of formatting characters. Some common examples are:
* `d`: Day of the month, 2 digits with leading zeros (01-31) * `m`: Month, numeric (01-12) * `Y`: Year, 4 digits * `y`: Year, 2 digits * `M`: Month, short textual (Jan-Dec) * `F`: Month, long textual (January-December) * `j`: Day of the month without leading zeros (1-31)
- `timezone` (Timezone): This optional parameter allows you to specify a timezone for the date. Use a valid timezone identifier from the PHP timezone database (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "UTC"). If not specified, the wiki’s default timezone is used.
- `showyear` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the year is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showmonth` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the month is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `showday` (Boolean): This optional parameter controls whether the day is displayed. Accepts values "true" or "false". Defaults to "true".
- `separator` (Separator Character): This optional parameter specifies the character used to separate the day, month, and year. Defaults to "/".
Basic Usage Examples
Let's illustrate how to use `Template:Date format` with various examples.
- Example 1: Default Formatting
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date in the wiki's default format (usually determined by the user's preferences or the wiki's settings).
- Example 2: Custom Format (DD/MM/YYYY)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "27/10/2023".
- Example 3: Custom Format (Month Day, Year)
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date as "October 27, 2023".
- Example 4: Hiding the Year
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date without the year, using the default format for day and month.
- Example 5: Specifying a Timezone
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date, interpreting the input as being in the America/Los_Angeles timezone. This is particularly important for historical events or scheduled times.
- Example 6: Using a custom separator
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the date with hyphens as separators, using the default format.
Advanced Usage and Customization
The power of `Template:Date format` lies in its ability to be customized extensively using the `format` parameter and the PHP `date()` function. Here are some advanced examples:
- Displaying the Day of the Week
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
This will display the day of the week (e.g., "Friday"). The `l` format character represents the full textual day of the week.
- Combining Date and Time (Requires modification to the template itself - see "Technical Details" section)
The core template doesn't directly handle time. To incorporate time, the template's code (explained below) needs to be adjusted to accept a second parameter containing the time in a specific format (e.g., HH:MM:SS).
- Creating Custom Date Patterns
You can combine different format characters to create highly customized date patterns. For example:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Date format
```
(This example *requires* template modification as described in the 'Technical Details' section to handle the time component.)
Technical Details
The `Template:Date format` template typically relies on the PHP `date()` function within MediaWiki's parser functions. The core logic involves:
1. **Input Validation:** The template should ideally validate the input date to ensure it is in the correct YYYY-MM-DD format. This can be done using string manipulation functions within the template code. 2. **Parameter Handling:** The template parses the input parameters (`1`, `format`, `timezone`, etc.). 3. **Date Formatting:** The `date()` function is used to format the date string according to the specified format string. The timezone parameter is passed to the `date()` function using the `DateTimeZone` class in PHP. 4. **Output:** The formatted date string is returned as the template's output.
The template code itself (accessible on the template's page – usually `Template:Date format/code`) will look something like this (simplified example):
```wiki
{{#switch:
| d/m/Y = Template:Formatdate: | F j, Y = Template:Formatdate: | #default = Template:Formatdate:
}}
```
- Important Note:** Direct modification of templates should only be done by experienced wiki users and administrators. Incorrect modifications can break the template and affect numerous pages. If you need to add functionality like time handling, consult with a wiki administrator or experienced developer.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Incorrect Date Format: Ensure the date input is *always* in YYYY-MM-DD format. Any deviation will likely result in an error or unexpected output.
- Invalid Format String: Double-check the format string against the PHP manual on date() function. Typos or invalid characters will cause the template to fail.
- Timezone Issues: Verify that the timezone identifier is valid. You can find a list of valid timezones here.
- Template Not Updating: After making changes to the template code, clear your browser's cache and purge the page containing the template to ensure the changes are reflected. Use the "Purge" option in the "View history" menu.
- Unexpected Results: If you're getting unexpected results, try simplifying the format string to isolate the problem.
Comparison with Other Date-Related Templates
While `Template:Date format` focuses on flexible formatting, other related templates may be useful in specific scenarios:
- `Template:Start date` and `Template:End date` : These templates are often used for specifying the start and end dates of events or projects.
- `Template:Currentdate` : Displays the current date.
- `Template:Date` : A more basic template for displaying dates in a standard format.
- Help:Timestamps : Automatically generated dates and times for page edits.
Understanding the strengths of each template allows you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
Best Practices
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent date format for your wiki and stick to it.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD as Input: Always use the YYYY-MM-DD format when providing dates to the template.
- Document Your Choices: Clearly document the chosen date format and any template customizations in your wiki’s style guide.
- Test Thoroughly: Test the template with various dates and formats to ensure it works as expected.
- Consider Localization: If your wiki has a multilingual audience, consider how date formats might need to be adjusted for different languages and regions. This might involve creating localized versions of the template.
Related Topics
- Help:Formatting
- Help:Templates
- Help:ParserFunctions
- Help:Linking to wikis
- Help:Page history
- Help:Timestamps
- PHP manual on date() function
Further Resources on Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators and Trends
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia - Technical Analysis
- **Moving Averages:** Moving Average Strategy
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** Investopedia - RSI
- **MACD:** Investopedia - MACD
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Investopedia - Bollinger Bands
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Investopedia - Support and Resistance
- **Trend Lines:** Trend Lines
- **Chart Patterns:** Chart Patterns on TradingView
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Investopedia - Elliott Wave Theory
- **Volume Analysis:** Volume Analysis
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Investopedia - Stochastic Oscillator
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- **Parabolic SAR:** Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Investopedia - ATR
- **Donchian Channels:** Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Investopedia - Heikin Ashi
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price):** Investopedia - VWAP
- **Pivot Points:** Investopedia - Pivot Points
- **Market Sentiment:** Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- **Gap Analysis:** Investopedia - Gap Analysis
- **Head and Shoulders Pattern:** Head and Shoulders Pattern on TradingView
- **Double Top/Bottom Pattern:** Double Top/Bottom Pattern on TradingView
- **Triangles:** Triangles on TradingView
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners` : As mentioned earlier, this template works in conjunction with `Template:Use dmy dates` to specify more precise date formats within the dmy scheme.
- `Template:Start date`, `Template:End date` : These templates are used to display dates within the article's text, ensuring consistent formatting.
- `Template:ISOdate` : This template formats dates according to the ISO 8601 standard (YYYY-MM-DD), which is often used for technical purposes.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers : This is the central guideline for date formatting on Wikipedia. It provides detailed instructions on when to use dmy, mdy, and other date formats.
- AWB (AutoWikiBrowser): A powerful tool used by editors to automate tasks, including date format correction. It respects the `Template:Use dmy dates` template.
Date Formats and Financial Analysis
In the realm of financial analysis, accurate date handling is absolutely critical. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed insights and poor investment decisions.
- Chart Analysis: When analyzing chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, or triangles, precise dates are essential for identifying the formation and potential breakout points.
- Indicator Calculations: Many technical indicators, like Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, and Stochastic Oscillator, rely on historical price data, which must be accurately dated.
- Trading Signals: Algorithmic trading systems and automated trading signals depend on accurate date and time stamps to execute trades at the correct moments. A misdated signal can render an entire strategy ineffective.
- Economic Data Analysis: Interpreting economic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and employment figures requires understanding the exact dates to which the data refers.
- Backtesting Strategies: When backtesting trading strategies, accurate dates are essential for simulating historical trading scenarios and evaluating the strategy's performance. Incorrect dates can lead to inaccurate backtesting results, potentially misleading investors. Consider the impact on evaluating the effectiveness of a Turtle Trading system or a momentum trading strategy.
- Volatility Analysis: Calculating historical volatility and implied volatility requires precise date ranges for price data.
Using the correct date format, as indicated by `Template:Use dmy dates`, ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in financial analysis. A seemingly minor inconsistency in date formatting can have significant consequences in the financial world. Understanding support and resistance levels also relies on accurate date association with price action.
Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Manual of Style Help:Editing Help:Formatting Wikipedia:Categories Date and time notation in the United States ISO 8601 Technical analysis Candlestick pattern Moving average Fibonacci retracement Bollinger Bands Elliott Wave principle Relative Strength Index MACD Stochastic Oscillator GDP Inflation Employment figures Turtle Trading Momentum trading Support and resistance Chart pattern Head and shoulders (technical analysis) Double top Double bottom Triangle (technical analysis) Historical volatility Implied volatility Day trading Swing trading Position trading
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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners