https://birdcall.online/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=AdminBirdcall Wiki - User contributions [en]2026-06-09T22:08:47ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.39.11https://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=599Main Page2025-11-25T15:48:31Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><pre style="color:#ff2247; background-color:white;"><br />
) ____ ____ ____ ___ __ ____ _ _ <br />
\ ) | \ | || \ | \ / ] / || | | | <br />
() \ | o ) | | | D )| \ / / | o || | | | <br />
() / \ | | | | | / | D |/ / | || |___ | |___ <br />
.-"""-. \ () | O | | | | \ | / \_ | _ || || |<br />
____ / __ `\ __ () | | | | | . \| \ || | || || |<br />
.'` __'. | o/__\o | / /| |_____||____||__|\_||_____|\____||__|__||_____||_____|<br />
/ o /__\o;\ \\// /_ // /<br />
._ _| \\// |`-.__.-'|\ `; /<br />
/ \ .' \-.____.'|w || i|/ \/<br />
`._ '-/ | i||k '.___./<br />
. '-.\_.-' __.'-._||_.-' _ /<br />
.`""===(||).___.(||)(||)----'(||)===...__<br />
`"bird"`""=====""""==call=="""====...__ `""==._<br />
`"=. `"=.<br />
`"=.<br />
</pre><br />
--> [[Wiki_Workshop_Flow|Wiki Workshop Flow]]<br><br />
--> [[Wiki_Tutorial|Wiki Tutorial]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=430Wiki Tutorial2025-06-26T09:49:36Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
โ Uploading a Video<br />
<br />
Click the Upload file link.<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
โ Displaying the Video<br />
Once uploaded, embed it in a page using:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4]]</nowiki>'''<br><br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
โ Optional Features<br />
You can control width and add a caption, just like with images:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]</nowiki>'''<br><br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption ("My sample video") appears below the player<br />
<br />
โ Example<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]</nowiki><br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Embedding an Iframe ===<br />
To embed external content like videos or widgets, use the <code>&lt;safeiframe&gt;</code> tag.<br />
<br />
Hereโs the syntax:<br />
<br />
<pre><br />
&lt;safeiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /&gt;<br />
</pre><br />
<br />
This will display the embedded content if the source URL is valid and allowed.<br />
<br />
You can adjust:<br />
* <code>src</code> โ the URL of the embedded content<br />
* <code>width</code> and <code>height</code> โ to control the size<br />
* <code>allowfullscreen</code> โ to enable fullscreen mode (optional)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=429User:Admin2025-06-26T09:48:17Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><safeiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f64ucPUwBlc?si=GXAtnIps960plEW5" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=428User:Admin2025-06-26T09:46:25Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><safeiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=427User:Admin2025-06-26T09:45:44Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><safeiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f64ucPUwBlc" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=426User:Admin2025-06-26T09:44:26Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><safeiframe src="https://birdcall.online/" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=425User:Admin2025-06-26T09:40:15Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><safeiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=424User:Admin2025-06-26T09:39:07Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><safeiframe src="https://birdcall.online/" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=423User:Admin2025-06-26T09:38:41Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div><safeiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyj4kpsjv4o" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=422User:Admin2025-06-26T09:38:25Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:test-wav.wav]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test-mp3.mp3]]<br />
<br />
[[File:sample3.aiff]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Converted-sample.wav]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<safeiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyj4kpsjv4o" width="800" height="450" allowfullscreen /></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=361User:Admin2025-06-05T06:44:48Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:test-wav.wav]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test-mp3.mp3]]<br />
<br />
[[File:sample3.aiff]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Converted-sample.wav]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Converted-sample.wav&diff=360File:Converted-sample.wav2025-06-05T06:44:33Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=359User:Admin2025-06-05T06:40:46Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:test-wav.wav]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test-mp3.mp3]]<br />
<br />
[[File:sample3.aiff]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Sample3.aiff&diff=358File:Sample3.aiff2025-06-05T06:40:42Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=357User:Admin2025-06-05T06:38:57Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:test-wav.wav]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test-mp3.mp3]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=356User:Admin2025-06-05T06:38:42Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Sample3.m4a]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:test-wav.wav]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test-mp3.mp3]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Test-mp3.mp3&diff=355File:Test-mp3.mp32025-06-05T06:38:19Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Test-wav.wav&diff=354File:Test-wav.wav2025-06-05T06:36:02Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=353User:Admin2025-06-05T06:35:46Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Sample3.m4a]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4|420px]]<br />
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[[File:test-wav.wav]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=344User:Admin2025-05-26T07:02:03Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Sample3.m4a]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4|420px]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=343User:Admin2025-05-26T07:01:53Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Sample3.m4a]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Test.mp4&diff=342File:Test.mp42025-05-26T07:01:39Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=341User:Admin2025-05-26T07:01:00Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Sample3.m4a]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.m4a]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=340User:Admin2025-05-26T07:00:42Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Sample3.m4a]]<br />
<br />
[[Test.m4a]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Test.m4a&diff=339File:Test.m4a2025-05-26T07:00:26Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=338User:Admin2025-05-26T06:55:30Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Sample3.m4a]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Sample3.m4a&diff=337File:Sample3.m4a2025-05-26T06:55:00Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=330Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:48:36Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
โ Uploading a Video<br />
<br />
Click the Upload file link.<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
โ Displaying the Video<br />
Once uploaded, embed it in a page using:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4]]</nowiki>'''<br><br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
โ Optional Features<br />
You can control width and add a caption, just like with images:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]</nowiki>'''<br><br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption ("My sample video") appears below the player<br />
<br />
โ Example<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]</nowiki><br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=329Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:46:26Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
โ Uploading a Video<br />
<br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
โ Displaying the Video<br />
Once uploaded, embed it in a page using:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4]]</nowiki>'''<br><br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
โ Optional Features<br />
You can control width and add a caption, just like with images:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]</nowiki>'''<br><br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption ("My sample video") appears below the player<br />
<br />
โ Example<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]</nowiki><br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=328Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:46:13Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
โ Uploading a Video<br />
<br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
โ Displaying the Video<br />
Once uploaded, embed it in a page using:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4]]</nowiki>'''<br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
โ Optional Features<br />
You can control width and add a caption, just like with images:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]</nowiki>'''<br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption ("My sample video") appears below the player<br />
<br />
โ Example<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]</nowiki><br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=327Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:45:52Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
โ Uploading a Video<br />
<br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
โ Displaying the Video<br />
Once uploaded, embed it in a page using:<br />
<br />
'''<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4]]</nowiki>'''<br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
โ Optional Features<br />
You can control width and add a caption, just like with images:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]</nowiki><br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption ("My sample video") appears below the player<br />
<br />
โ Example<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]</nowiki><br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=326Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:45:40Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
โ Uploading a Video<br />
<br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
โ Displaying the Video<br />
Once uploaded, embed it in a page using:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>'''[[File:Test.mp4]]'''</nowiki><br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
โ Optional Features<br />
You can control width and add a caption, just like with images:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]</nowiki><br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption ("My sample video") appears below the player<br />
<br />
โ Example<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]</nowiki><br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=325Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:45:12Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
โ Uploading a Video<br />
<br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
โ Displaying the Video<br />
Once uploaded, embed it in a page using:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4]]</nowiki><br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
โ Optional Features<br />
You can control width and add a caption, just like with images:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]</nowiki><br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption ("My sample video") appears below the player<br />
<br />
โ Example<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]</nowiki><br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=324Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:44:06Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
---> Uploading a Video<br><br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
---> Displaying the Video<br><br />
Once uploaded, you can embed it using:<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4]]<br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
---> Optional Features<br><br />
You can control width and add a caption just like images:<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]<br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption (โMy sample videoโ) appears under the player<br />
<br />
---> Example<br><br />
[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]<br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=323Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:43:52Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
---> Uploading a Video<br><br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
--->Displaying the Video<br><br />
Once uploaded, you can embed it using:<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4]]<br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
--->Optional Features<br><br />
You can control width and add a caption just like images:<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]<br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption (โMy sample videoโ) appears under the player<br />
<br />
--->Example<br><br />
[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]<br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=322Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:43:17Z<p>Admin: /* Videos */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
--->Uploading a Video<br><br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
'''Displaying the Video<br />
'''Once uploaded, you can embed it using:<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4]]<br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
'''Optional Features'''<br />
You can control width and add a caption just like images:<br />
<br />
wikitext<br />
ฮฮฝฯฮนฮณฯฮฑฯฮฎ<br />
ฮฯฮตฮพฮตฯฮณฮฑฯฮฏฮฑ<br />
[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]<br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption (โMy sample videoโ) appears under the player<br />
<br />
'''Example'''<br />
[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]<br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki_Tutorial&diff=321Wiki Tutorial2025-05-19T08:42:39Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''How-To Wiki'''<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==Editors==<br />
<br />
Below is a quick cheatsheet with commonly used Wikitext markup.<br><br />
But first, it's good to know that there are two ways to edit a page:<br />
<br />
===Visual editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface โ no code needed!<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:VisualEditor/User_guide Visual Editor User Guide]<br />
<br />
===Wikitext editor===<br />
<br />
* Click <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Edit source</code> to open it.<br />
* Uses a markup language called Wikitext (like writing in simplified code).<br />
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Wiki Syntax User Guide]<br />
<br />
==Cheatsheet==<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>''italics''<br />
<br />
'''bold'''<br />
<br />
'''''bold and italics'''''<br />
<br />
== Standard header ==<br />
<br />
=== Sub-header === (...and so on)<br />
<br />
[[Page name]] (internal link)<br />
<br />
[[Page name|custom text]] (internal link with alternate text)<br />
<br />
[http://example.com link text] (external link)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Example]] (add to category)<br />
<br />
[[:Category:Example]] (link to category)<br />
<br />
---- (horizontal line)<br />
<br />
* bulleted item<br />
<br />
# numbered item<br />
<br />
: indentation<br />
<br />
:: double indentation (...and so on)<br />
<br />
;term : definition (definition list)<br />
<br />
[[File:Image.jpg|thumb|frame|Caption text]] (insert image)<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Image1.jpg<br />
File:Image2.jpg<br />
</gallery> (image gallery)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Quoted text here.<br />
</blockquote> (block quote)<br />
<br />
<code>inline code</code> (for code snippets)<br />
<br />
<br /> (line break)<br />
</nowiki><br />
<br />
'''๐ More details:''' [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Formatting Help Guide]<br />
<br />
== Wiki Editing ==<br />
'''How to write on the wiki?'''<br />
<br />
There are two modes: '''Read''' and '''Edit'''.<br />
<br />
Edit lets you enter new content or make changes to existing content.<br />
<br />
While editing, you can preview your changes in the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Show preview</code> window before saving.<br />
<br />
Once youโre done editing, donโt forget to <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Save changes</code> โ otherwise your changes will be lost!<br />
<br />
===Title Headings===<br />
You can create section titles using equals signs (=). The number of = signs sets the level:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>=Main Title=</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>==Sub Title==</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
<nowiki>===Sub-sub-sub Title===</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can place content under each of these sections.<br />
<br />
===Page creation===<br />
'''How to create a page?'''<br />
<br />
All wiki content is organized into '''wiki pages'''. <br><br />
For example, every article in your book could have its own wiki page. How you organize your content is totally up to you!<br />
<br />
To create a page, simply create an '''internal link''' like this:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of new page]]</nowiki> <br />
<br />
Another easy method is to use the '''search bar''': type the name of the page you want to create. If it doesn't exist, MediaWiki will give you the option to create it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color:red">Red link</span> = the page does not exist yet<br />
<br />
<span style="color:blue">Blue link</span> = the page already exists<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
[[Wiki Tutorial]] โ existing page<br />
<br />
[[oooooooo]] โ non-existing page<br />
<br />
===Links===<br />
<br />
There are two types of links:<br />
<br />
* internal (to another page in this wiki)<br />
* external (to a page outside this wiki)<br />
<br />
====Internal Links====<br />
<br />
To link to a page in this wiki:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Name of page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[Main Page]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
will result in: [[Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Note: these links are case sensitive.</code><br />
<br />
==== External Links ====<br />
<br />
You can add external links in several ways:<br />
<br />
Paste the URL:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>https://birdcall.online/</nowiki>: https://birdcall.online/<br />
<br />
Using link text:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/ Birdcall's website]<br />
<br />
Or as a "footnote"<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[https://birdcall.online/]</nowiki>: [https://birdcall.online/]<br />
<br />
==== Red Links ====<br />
<br />
Wikis allow you to link to pages that don't exist yet โ these are called '''red links''' or '''redlinks'''.<br />
<br />
This is a great way to build "potential" or "to-do" pages โ others can see whatโs missing and contribute.<br />
<br />
Even before theyโre created, redlinked pages still show '''backlinks''' (what links to them), though they wonโt show up in [[Special:AllPages]]. They do appear in [[Special:WantedPages]].<br />
<br />
===Files===<br />
<br />
==== Uploading Images ====<br />
Letโs add some visuals to our wiki pages!<br />
<br />
'''Accepted formats''': PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF, SVG <br><br />
'''Max file size''': 10 MB<br />
<br />
(Admins can increase this limit or allow more formats if needed.)<br />
<br />
To upload, use the '''image icon''' in the editor. Youโll be asked to provide the file name and (optionally) a caption.<br />
<br />
Basic syntax to insert an image:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.png|My caption]]</nowiki><br />
<br />
You can add a caption using the | pipe symbol:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>[[File:myimage.jpg|Caption under the image]] </nowiki><br />
<br />
==== Videos ====<br />
You can upload and embed video files (such as .mp4) directly into wiki pages.<br />
<br />
'''Uploading a Video'''<br />
Click the Upload file link (usually in the sidebar).<br />
<br />
Select your .mp4 file.<br />
<br />
Give it a clear filename (e.g., Test.mp4) and upload it.<br />
<br />
Allowed format: .mp4<br />
Max file size: 10 MB (admins can increase this)<br />
<br />
'''Displaying the Video<br />
'''Once uploaded, you can embed it using:<br />
<br />
[[File:Test.mp4]]<br />
This will show a video player on the page.<br />
<br />
'''Optional Features'''<br />
You can control width and add a caption just like images:<br />
<br />
wikitext<br />
ฮฮฝฯฮนฮณฯฮฑฯฮฎ<br />
ฮฯฮตฮพฮตฯฮณฮฑฯฮฏฮฑ<br />
[[File:Test.mp4|640px|My sample video]]<br />
640px sets the width of the video<br />
<br />
The caption (โMy sample videoโ) appears under the player<br />
<br />
'''Example'''<br />
[[File:LaunchDemo.mp4|480px|Launch sequence demo]]<br />
๐กบ Renders a video with a width of 480 pixels and a caption: Launch sequence demo<br />
<br />
=== Changing Page Titles ===<br />
<br />
To rename a page, use the '''Move''' function (found in the dropdown menu next to the star at the top-right corner).<br />
<br />
This lets you:<br />
* Move content to a new page title<br />
* Automatically create a redirect from the old page to the new one (so links wonโt break)<br />
<br />
Think of Move as:<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">Move = Copy + Redirect</code><br />
<br />
=== Deleting Pages ===<br />
<br />
Pages can be deleted, but itโs more like hiding than erasing โ the title disappears from listings like [[Special:AllPages]], but the page history is still viewable.<br />
<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
<br />
Using the Cite extension, you can make academic-style footnotes:<br />
<br />
<pre><nowiki><ref>This is an example source.</ref></nowiki></pre><br />
<br />
This is a sentence with a reference.<ref>This is an example source.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Page History / version tracking ===<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful features of a wiki is that it keeps track of every change made to a page. You can view, compare, and undo edits at any time. This is called the '''Page History'''.<br />
<br />
To access the history of a page, click the <code style="background:#E0E0FF!important">View history</code> tab at the top of the article.<br />
<br />
This shows a chronological list of all changes, who made them, and when. You can also see a summary (if the editor wrote one), and compare any two versions.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #1'''<br />
<br />
''Someone accidentally deleted two paragraphs from your article. What now?''<br />
<br />
* Go to the page.<br />
* Click '''View history'''.<br />
* You'll see a list of past edits. Find the version before the deletion.<br />
* Click on the date to preview that version.<br />
* If it's correct, click '''Edit''' on that version, then save. You've now restored the content!<br />
<br />
=== Special:RecentChanges ===<br />
<br />
Want to know what's happening across the entire wiki? Thatโs what the '''Recent Changes''' page is for.<br />
<br />
You can find it here: [[Special:RecentChanges]]<br />
<br />
It shows all the latest edits, new pages, uploaded files, and other activities โ listed in real time, with timestamps and usernames of the editors.<br />
<br />
'''Scenario #2'''<br />
<br />
'''''Youโve been away from the wiki for a month. When you return, you notice that:'''''<br />
* Several new articles have appeared<br />
* A bunch of images have been uploaded<br />
* You wonder โ '''who added all this?'''<br />
* By visiting [[Special:RecentChanges]], you can:<br />
<br />
# Quickly see who created or edited what<br />
# Spot new contributions from specific users<br />
# Detect any suspicious activity (like spammy page titles or bot-generated edits)<br />
<br />
If you notice unwanted changes, you can revert them directly from the list. You can also block persistent spammers or bots if you're an admin.<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Tip: Logged-in users can customize the number of days or edits shown in the RecentChanges preferences.</span><br />
<br />
=== Special:AllPages ===<br />
<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ an alphabetical list of all pages (like an index).<br />
<br />
=== Redirects ===<br />
<br />
Redirects are useful for:<br />
<br />
* Synonyms (e.g. "Dog" redirects to "Canine")<br />
* Choosing a preferred title<br />
<br />
Syntax:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>#REDIRECT</nowiki> [[Better title]]</code><br />
<br />
Redirects are respected by search, backlinks, and special pages.<br />
<br />
=== HTML + CSS===<br />
Basic HTML and CSS tags are allowed on wiki pages. This is useful for fine-tuning formatting or adding style.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
<code>Line breaks: <nowiki><br /></nowiki><br />
<br />
Span with style: <nowiki><span style="color:red;">red text</span></nowiki><br />
<br />
Div block: <nowiki><div style="background:#f0f0f0; padding:10px;">highlighted area</div></nowiki><br />
</code><br />
<br />
You can use this to:<br />
<br />
* Change text color<br />
<br />
* Add padding/margins<br />
<br />
* Highlight sections<br />
<br />
* Align images or elements<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some tags and styles may be restricted for security reasons, depending on the site's configuration.</span><br />
<br />
For more: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:HTML_in_wikitext Help:HTML in wikitext]<br />
<br />
=== nowiki ===<br />
<br />
The <code><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></code> tag tells the wiki to ignore formatting โ great for showing code or wikitext as plain text. <br><br />
<br />
Example:<br><br />
<br />
<code><nowiki><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></nowiki></code><br><br />
This will display: <code><nowiki>[[Link]]</nowiki></code> instead of turning it into a real link [[Link]].<br />
<br />
Use it when you want to explain syntax without it being rendered.<br />
<br />
=== Categories ===<br />
Categories help group related pages together. They work like tags or folders.<br />
<br />
To add the current page to a category:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[Category: People]]</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This adds the page to the '''People''' category. A link to the category will appear at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
You can also organize categories into hierarchies by tagging a category page with another category.<br />
<br />
To link to a category page without putting the current page into it, add a colon at the beginning:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>[[:Category:Fish]]</nowiki></code><br><br />
This produces a normal link: [[:Category:Fish]]<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: Some extensions can help manage complex category trees.</span><br />
<br />
=== Sidebar Navigation ===<br />
'''How to customize the main navigation (sidebar)?'''<br />
<br />
The sidebar shown on every page (usually on the left) is defined in the page:<br />
<br />
<nowiki>MediaWiki:Sidebar</nowiki><br />
<br />
To edit it:<br><br />
Make sure you're logged in as a user with admin or interface-admin rights.<br />
<br />
Go to: [[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
<br />
Edit it like a simple list using a specific syntax:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* navigation</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** mainpage|Home</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** randompage-url|Random Page</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
You can also add your own custom sections and links:<br><br />
<code><nowiki>* mysection</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page1|Bird Sounds</nowiki><br><br />
<nowiki>** page2|About the Project</nowiki><br></code><br />
<br />
=== Transclusion ===<br />
<br />
Transclusion means including the content of one page inside another, like a live copy. If the original page changes, all pages that transclude it will update too.<br />
<br />
To transclude a page:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{:Name of page}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
This pulls in the content of "Name of page" and displays it wherever you place the tag.<br />
<br />
Useful for:<br />
<br />
* Reusing standard text (like intros or instructions)<br />
* Building pages from smaller parts<br />
* Keeping things consistent across multiple pages<br />
<br />
<span style="background:lightyellow">Note: The colon (:) before the page name avoids treating it like a template.</span><br />
<br />
=== Templates ===<br />
<br />
Templates are reusable chunks of content you can insert on many pages โ like a copy-paste that stays updated.<br />
<br />
To use a template:<br />
<br />
<code style="background:#E0E0FF!important"><nowiki>{{TemplateName}}</nowiki></code><br />
<br />
Great for shared layouts like footers, notes, or bios.<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Words ===<br />
<br />
Magic Words or Variables are dynamic placeholders that show things like the current page name, time, or user.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTPAGE}}</nowiki> โ shows this page's name <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki> โ shows the current time <br />
* <nowiki>{{CURRENTUSER}}</nowiki> โ shows your username (if logged in) <br />
* <nowiki>{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}</nowiki> ? โ total number of pages on the wiki<br />
<br />
More: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Variables Magic words โ Variables]<br />
<br />
=== Magic Tags ===<br />
<br />
These special commands change how a page behaves โ theyโre like invisible instructions to the wiki.<br />
<br />
Some examples:<br />
* <nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki> โ hides the table of contents <br />
* <nowiki>__NOINDEX__</nowiki> โ prevents the page from appearing in search engines<br />
* <nowiki>__HIDDENCAT__</nowiki> โ hides this category from the bottom of the page<br />
<br />
You can also control how a page appears and is sorted:<br />
<br />
* DISPLAYTITLE: Set the proper title<br />
* DEFAULTSORT: Tell the wiki how to order the page title<br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DISPLAYTITLE:cat}}<br />
</nowiki> โ sets how the page title is displayed <br />
<br />
<nowiki><br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wales, Jimmy}}<br />
</nowiki> โ tells the wiki how to sort the page in categories<br />
<br />
More info: [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Magic_words#Behavior_switches Magic words โ Behavior switches]<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
<br />
How do collaborators, editors, proofreaders, coordinators, and designers communicate within the wiki?<br />
<br />
''Letโs say one person completely disagrees with something written on a shared page โ what now?''<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to handle this:<br />
<br />
* Use the '''Discussion page''' (tab at the top of any article) โ it's a space to discuss changes, ask questions, or raise concerns without editing the main content.<br />
* Leave a note in the edit summary when saving changes.<br />
* Some groups create a dedicated discussion page or use categories like [[Category:ToDiscuss]].<br />
<br />
The key is: talk it out!<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Further Exploring ==<br />
<br />
Want to go deeper? Here are some helpful features and concepts in MediaWiki you might explore:<br />
<br />
* Navigation tools: <br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]], [[Special:NewFiles]], [[Special:AllPages]], [[Special:Random]]<br />
* Editing tricks:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html Wikitext basics] โ headers, formatting, and behaviour switches like __NOTOC__<br />
Section editing (avoids edit conflicts)<br />
* Organising content:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-33 Namespaces] โ like Main, Category, and User pages<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-34 Redirects] and renaming pages<br />
* Linking smartly:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter5.html#toc-Section-35 Subpages], redirects, name normalization<br />
* Media files:<br />
[https://www.workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter7.html Images and files], audio/video embedding<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/ Working with MediaWiki by Yaron Koren] โ a clear and gentle introduction to MediaWiki. It explains core concepts and topics like <br />
* [https://workingwithmediawiki.com/book/chapter4.html wikitext syntax] in a narrative, beginner-friendly way.<br />
<br />
== Colophon ==<br />
Special thanks to [https://xpub.nl/ XPUB] โ the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing at the Piet Zwart Institute โ for introducing us to MediaWiki software and co-created the first version of this how-to guide.</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=320User:Admin2025-05-19T08:05:29Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|420px]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=319User:Admin2025-05-19T08:05:23Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4|320px]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=318User:Admin2025-05-19T08:02:53Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Upload.mp4]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=User:Admin&diff=317User:Admin2025-05-19T07:05:51Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{ImagineryTemplate}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Upload.mp4]]</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=File:Upload.mp4&diff=316File:Upload.mp42025-05-19T07:05:18Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Programs&diff=300Category:Programs2025-05-14T07:41:53Z<p>Admin: Created blank page</p>
<hr />
<div></div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=273MediaWiki:Sidebar2025-05-05T13:49:18Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div><br />
* navigation<br />
** mainpage|mainpage-description<br />
** Wiki_Workshop_Flow | Wiki Workshop Flow<br />
** Wiki_Tutorial | Wiki Tutorial<br />
** Useful_Links | Useful Links<br />
** Birdcall website<br />
<br />
* School<br />
** Another Model is Possible | Another Model is Possible<br />
<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=272MediaWiki:Sidebar2025-05-05T13:49:05Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div><br />
* navigation<br />
** mainpage|mainpage-description<br />
** recentchanges-url|Recent Changes<br />
** Wiki_Workshop_Flow | Wiki Workshop Flow<br />
** Wiki_Tutorial | Wiki Tutorial<br />
** Useful_Links | Useful Links<br />
** Birdcall website<br />
<br />
* School<br />
** Another Model is Possible | Another Model is Possible<br />
<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Useful_Links&diff=271Useful Links2025-05-05T13:48:32Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Useful Wiki Links'''<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐งญ Navigation & Discovery ===<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ All pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]] โ See what's new<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently uploaded files<br />
<br />
[[Special:Random]] โ Random page<br />
<br />
[[Special:Categories]] โ View all categories<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐ฅ User & Account Management ===<br />
[[Special:CreateAccount]] โ Create a new user account<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogin]] โ Log in<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserRights]] โ Change user group/roles (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListUsers]] โ View registered users<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐ ๏ธ Editing & Admin Tools ===<br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload files<br />
<br />
[[Special:MovePage]] โ Rename a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:WhatLinksHere/Main_Page]] โ What links to a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:ChangePassword]] โ Change your password<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogout]] โ Log out<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐จ Customization ===<br />
[[MediaWiki:Sidebar]] โ Edit the main navigation (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.css]] โ Global CSS customization<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.js]] โ Global JavaScript customization<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐ Media & Galleries ===<br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload a file<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently added media<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListFiles]] โ All uploaded files<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐งช Technical & Debug ===<br />
[[Special:Version]] โ Installed extensions & system info<br />
<br />
[[Special:SpecialPages]] โ List of all available special pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:ApiSandbox]] โ Play with the API<br />
<br />
[[Special:Log]] โ All logs (block, rights, moves, uploads)</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Useful_Links&diff=270Useful Links2025-05-05T13:48:13Z<p>Admin: /* ๐ Media & Galleries */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Useful Wiki Links'''<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐งญ Navigation & Discovery ===<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ All pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]] โ See what's new<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently uploaded files<br />
<br />
[[Special:Random]] โ Random page<br />
<br />
[[Special:Categories]] โ View all categories<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐ฅ User & Account Management ===<br />
[[Special:CreateAccount]] โ Create a new user account<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogin]] โ Log in<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserRights]] โ Change user group/roles (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListUsers]] โ View registered users<br />
<br />
=== ๐ ๏ธ Editing & Admin Tools ===<br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload files<br />
<br />
[[Special:MovePage]] โ Rename a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:WhatLinksHere/Main_Page]] โ What links to a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:ChangePassword]] โ Change your password<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogout]] โ Log out<br />
<br />
=== ๐จ Customization ===<br />
[[MediaWiki:Sidebar]] โ Edit the main navigation (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.css]] โ Global CSS customization<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.js]] โ Global JavaScript customization<br />
<br />
=== ๐ Media & Galleries ===<br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload a file<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently added media<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListFiles]] โ All uploaded files<br />
<br />
=== ๐งช Technical & Debug ===<br />
[[Special:Version]] โ Installed extensions & system info<br />
<br />
[[Special:SpecialPages]] โ List of all available special pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:ApiSandbox]] โ Play with the API<br />
<br />
[[Special:Log]] โ All logs (block, rights, moves, uploads)</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Useful_Links&diff=269Useful Links2025-05-05T13:47:23Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Useful Wiki Links'''<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐งญ Navigation & Discovery ===<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ All pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]] โ See what's new<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently uploaded files<br />
<br />
[[Special:Random]] โ Random page<br />
<br />
[[Special:Categories]] โ View all categories<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐ฅ User & Account Management ===<br />
[[Special:CreateAccount]] โ Create a new user account<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogin]] โ Log in<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserRights]] โ Change user group/roles (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListUsers]] โ View registered users<br />
<br />
=== ๐ ๏ธ Editing & Admin Tools ===<br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload files<br />
<br />
[[Special:MovePage]] โ Rename a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:WhatLinksHere/Main_Page]] โ What links to a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:ChangePassword]] โ Change your password<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogout]] โ Log out<br />
<br />
=== ๐จ Customization ===<br />
[[MediaWiki:Sidebar]] โ Edit the main navigation (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.css]] โ Global CSS customization<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.js]] โ Global JavaScript customization<br />
<br />
=== ๐ Media & Galleries ===<br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload a file<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently added media<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListFiles]] โ All uploaded files<br />
<br />
<nowiki><gallery></nowiki> โ for inline media galleries<br />
<br />
=== ๐งช Technical & Debug ===<br />
[[Special:Version]] โ Installed extensions & system info<br />
<br />
[[Special:SpecialPages]] โ List of all available special pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:ApiSandbox]] โ Play with the API<br />
<br />
[[Special:Log]] โ All logs (block, rights, moves, uploads)</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Useful_Links&diff=268Useful Links2025-05-05T13:46:21Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Useful Wiki Links'''<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ๐งญ Navigation & Discovery ===<br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ All pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]] โ See Recent Changes<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently uploaded files<br />
<br />
[[Special:Random]] โ Random page<br />
<br />
[[Special:Categories]] โ View all categories<br />
<br />
<br />
๐ฅ User & Account Management<br><br />
[[Special:CreateAccount]] โ Create a new user account<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogin]] โ Log in<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserRights]] โ Change user group/roles (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListUsers]] โ View registered users<br />
<br />
๐ ๏ธ Editing & Admin Tools<br><br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload files<br />
<br />
[[Special:MovePage]] โ Rename a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:WhatLinksHere/Main_Page]] โ What links to a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:ChangePassword]] โ Change your password<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogout]] โ Log out<br />
<br />
๐จ Customization<br><br />
[[MediaWiki:Sidebar]] โ Edit the main navigation (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.css]] โ Global CSS customization<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.js]] โ Global JavaScript customization<br />
<br />
๐ Media & Galleries<br><br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload a file<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently added media<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListFiles]] โ All uploaded files<br />
<br />
<nowiki><gallery></nowiki> โ for inline media galleries<br />
<br />
๐งช Technical & Debug<br><br />
[[Special:Version]] โ Installed extensions & system info<br />
<br />
[[Special:SpecialPages]] โ List of all available special pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:ApiSandbox]] โ Play with the API<br />
<br />
[[Special:Log]] โ All logs (block, rights, moves, uploads)</div>Adminhttps://birdcall.online/wiki/index.php?title=Useful_Links&diff=267Useful Links2025-05-05T13:46:00Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Useful Wiki Links'''<br />
<br />
<br />
๐งญ Navigation & Discovery<br><br />
[[Special:AllPages]] โ All pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:RecentChanges]] โ See Recent Changes<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently uploaded files<br />
<br />
[[Special:Random]] โ Random page<br />
<br />
[[Special:Categories]] โ View all categories<br />
<br />
<br />
๐ฅ User & Account Management<br><br />
[[Special:CreateAccount]] โ Create a new user account<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogin]] โ Log in<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserRights]] โ Change user group/roles (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListUsers]] โ View registered users<br />
<br />
๐ ๏ธ Editing & Admin Tools<br><br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload files<br />
<br />
[[Special:MovePage]] โ Rename a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:WhatLinksHere/Main_Page]] โ What links to a page<br />
<br />
[[Special:ChangePassword]] โ Change your password<br />
<br />
[[Special:UserLogout]] โ Log out<br />
<br />
๐จ Customization<br><br />
[[MediaWiki:Sidebar]] โ Edit the main navigation (admin only)<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.css]] โ Global CSS customization<br />
<br />
[[MediaWiki:Common.js]] โ Global JavaScript customization<br />
<br />
๐ Media & Galleries<br><br />
[[Special:Upload]] โ Upload a file<br />
<br />
[[Special:NewFiles]] โ Recently added media<br />
<br />
[[Special:ListFiles]] โ All uploaded files<br />
<br />
<nowiki><gallery></nowiki> โ for inline media galleries<br />
<br />
๐งช Technical & Debug<br><br />
[[Special:Version]] โ Installed extensions & system info<br />
<br />
[[Special:SpecialPages]] โ List of all available special pages<br />
<br />
[[Special:ApiSandbox]] โ Play with the API<br />
<br />
[[Special:Log]] โ All logs (block, rights, moves, uploads)</div>Admin