Definition
A Wiki is a type of website that allows multiple users to create, edit, and hyperlink pages collaboratively. Named after the Hawaiian word for ‘quick’, it is easy to modify and update. Its most iconic example is Wikipedia, a widely used online encyclopedia shared and maintained by volunteers around the world.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of the word “Wiki” is /ˈwɪki/.
Key Takeaways
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- Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. It’s a collaborative platform where users worldwide contribute their knowledge and expertise on various subjects.
- It relies on a community of volunteers to create and edit content, meaning each Wikipedia article is the result of contributions from numerous users. Therefore, the accuracy of the information can sometimes be a subject of debate.
- Wikipedia has an editorial system that involves peer-reviewing where edits and additions are checked by other experienced volunteer editors to maintain the integrity and correctness of information.
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Importance
The technology term “Wiki” is important because it revolutionized the way information is shared and managed on the Internet. It refers to a type of website that allows for collaborative editing and content creation by its users. The most famous example is Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia that anyone can edit, making it a democratic platform for knowledge sharing. Wikis provide a platform for collective intelligence, harnessing the knowledge and insights of many to create comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate resources. They foster collaboration, community, and knowledge democratization, making them a significant innovation in web technology.
Explanation
The primary purpose of a Wiki is to allow for the collaborative creation, editing, and organization of digital content in a simplified and efficient manner. It is commonly employed as an information system for knowledge management, where multiple users can contribute to the content by adding, eliminating, or modifying the text, thus encouraging collaborative authoring. The most popular example of this technology is Wikipedia, which hosts extensive user-generated content on a broad scale of topics. Wikis are used to compile information in a single location, providing dynamic knowledge repositories. The utilization of Wikis isn’t restricted to grand-scale projects like Wikipedia. This technology is also suitable for use within smaller teams such as corporations and educational institutions for information sharing and collaborative project work. In the context of project management, for example, team members can document progress, share updates, and post discussion points. In education, teachers can use a Wiki to share course content, and students can use it for collaborative projects, peer learning or publishing research. The advantage here is its real-time update, ensuring users always have access to the most recent and reliable information.
Examples
1. Wikipedia: Definitely the most popular example of a Wiki, Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that can be edited by anyone with an internet connection. It covers an extensive array of topics and is built upon the collective knowledge and contributions of its users.2. Wikitravel: Wikitravel is an online project to create a free, complete, up-to-date, and reliable worldwide travel guide. Users can contribute their knowledge and tips about places, making travel easier for others.3. Fandom (formerly known as Wikia): Fandom is a network of user-created wikis centered around various pop culture topics, including movies, books, TV shows, and video games. Fans can contribute their knowledge or learn more about their favorite topics.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
**Q1: What is a Wiki?**A: A wiki is a type of website that allows users to add, delete, or revise content by using a web browser. It is a collaborative tool that allows multiple users to create, edit, and organize web content in a quick and easy way.**Q2: Who can edit a Wiki?**A: Depending on the specific wiki’s settings, anyone who has access to that wiki site can make edits and contributions. Some wikis might require users to create an account or gain special permission before editing.**Q3: How is a Wiki different from a regular website?**A: The main difference lies in the level of collaboration. In contrast to a regular website where content is created by specific authors or webmasters, a wiki allows everyone to contribute and edit the content, making it more collaborative and comprehensive.**Q4: What is the most famous example of a Wiki?**A: The most well-known example of a wiki is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that can be edited by anyone worldwide.**Q5: Is the information in a Wiki always reliable?**A: No, the information in a wiki is not always 100% reliable. Due to the open nature of most wikis, the content can consistently change. Though many wikis have certain safeguards in place to monitor and review edits, it’s always a good idea to cross-reference information.**Q6: Does a Wiki save its revision history?**A: Yes, most wikis keep a detailed log of all changes and revisions made to the content. This allows users to view previous versions of the page and track the history of changes.**Q7: Can a wiki be made private?**A: Yes, a wiki can be configured to restrict access to certain users or groups. This makes it an effective tool for sharing information and collaborating within a private group or organization.**Q8: Are there charges to use or create a Wiki?**A: Many Wiki platforms offer free access. However, some may charge for added features like high levels of customization, technical support, or ad removal. **Q9: Can one wiki page link to another?**A: Yes, wiki pages can interlink with each other, providing readers with easy access to related information.**Q10: What if incorrect information is added to a Wiki?**A: In many wikis, community members or dedicated editors monitor changes and correct any inaccuracies that are added. However, it’s always important to verify wiki information with other reputable sources.
Related Tech Terms
- Collaborative Editing
- Page History
- Wikitext
- Hyperlinks
- User Permissions
