Acceptable Formatting for Wikipedia-Style Links

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Introduction

Wikipedia-style links are a crucial aspect of linking and referencing content on the internet, but their acceptable formatting has evolved over time. This article provides an overview of the guidelines for creating Wikipedia-style links, ensuring that users can accurately and effectively link to relevant articles.

HTML Syntax

The most common syntax for creating Wikipedia-style links is based on HTML5. The format is as follows:

[Link text](http://[target URL])
  • [Link text]: This is the content of the link, which should be descriptive and concise.
  • http://[target URL]: This is the target URL of the linked article.

Key Elements

While the basic syntax is clear, there are some key elements to keep in mind when creating Wikipedia-style links:

1. Link text

The link text should be descriptive and informative. It should clearly indicate what content will be linked to from another page.

2. Target URL

The target URL should accurately reflect the destination of the link. This includes the title of the article, the namespace (e.g., Wikipedia), and any additional parameters that may be required by the linked article.

Examples

Here are some examples of acceptable Wikipedia-style links:

  • A link to a page on Wikipedia: [Wikipedia homepage]
  • A link to a specific subpage within a main page: [[Main Page]]/subpage title
  • A link to an external website: [External website URL]

3. Namespace

When linking to pages within the same wiki, use the namespace to avoid confusion.

[Wikipedia homepage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)

However, when linking from a Wikipedia page to another article on the same wiki, it’s generally best to link using the mw namespace:

[Main Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaWiki)

Links can include parameters that provide additional information about the destination of the link.

  • A link to a page on Wikipedia, with a parameter: [Page title with parameter]
  • A link to a page on Wikipedia, with multiple parameters: [[Page title1|parameter1]] or [[Page title2|parameter2]]

Browser Support

Wikipedia-style links are supported by most modern web browsers. However, some older versions of Internet Explorer may display the “unstyled” version of the link.

5. Accessibility

To ensure accessibility for users with disabilities, use clear and descriptive text in your Wikipedia-style links.

[Clear and concise link text](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)

Conclusion

Creating acceptable Wikipedia-style links is a straightforward process that involves following basic HTML syntax guidelines and paying attention to key elements such as link text, target URLs, and namespace usage. By adhering to these guidelines, users can effectively link to relevant articles on the internet, while ensuring accessibility for all users.

References