Help:Glossary
Help:Glossary
A glossary is a comprehensive list of terms and their definitions, often found at the end of a book or as a standalone resource. In the context of MediaWiki, a glossary serves as a helpful tool for users to understand specific terminology related to the platform, its features, and its community. This article provides an overview of how to create and use a glossary within a MediaWiki environment.
Purpose of a Glossary
A glossary is designed to:
- Clarify Terminology: Provide clear definitions for terms that may be unfamiliar to users.
- Enhance Understanding: Help users better understand the content and context of articles.
- Improve Accessibility: Make information more accessible to new users or those unfamiliar with specific jargon.
Creating a Glossary in MediaWiki
To create a glossary in MediaWiki, follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify Terms
Identify the terms that need to be included in the glossary. These terms should be relevant to the content of your wiki and useful for your audience.
Step 2: Create a Glossary Page
Create a new page in your MediaWiki installation dedicated to the glossary. This page can be titled "Glossary" or "Help:Glossary" to indicate its purpose.
Step 3: Add Terms and Definitions
List each term followed by its definition. You can format this as a simple list or use a table for better organization. For example:
```
Glossary
- Term 1: Definition of term 1.
- Term 2: Definition of term 2.
- Term 3: Definition of term 3.
```
Step 4: Link to Related Articles
Use internal links to connect terms in the glossary to related articles within your wiki. This helps users find more detailed information if needed.
Step 5: Maintain and Update
Regularly update the glossary to include new terms and revise definitions as necessary. This ensures that the glossary remains a relevant and useful resource.
Best Practices for Glossary Creation
- Consistency: Use consistent formatting and language throughout the glossary.
- Clarity: Ensure that definitions are clear and concise.
- Relevance: Include only terms that are relevant to your audience and the content of your wiki.
- Accessibility: Make the glossary easy to find and navigate.
Also see
Edit WikiMD
By following these guidelines, you can create a comprehensive and user-friendly glossary that enhances the usability of your MediaWiki site.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD