Help:Redirect

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Help:Redirect is a MediaWiki help page that provides guidance on how to create and manage redirects within the MediaWiki software. Redirects are used to forward users from one page to another, which can be useful for various reasons, such as handling alternative spellings, merging duplicate pages, or simplifying complex page titles.

Creating a Redirect

To create a redirect, you need to edit the page that you want to redirect. In the edit box, you should enter the following syntax:

#REDIRECT [[Target page]]

Replace "Target page" with the name of the page to which you want to redirect. For example, if you want to redirect "Example" to "Sample Page," you would enter:

#REDIRECT [[Sample Page]]

Types of Redirects

There are several types of redirects that can be created in MediaWiki:

• Simple Redirects: These are straightforward redirects from one page to another.
• Double Redirects: These occur when a page redirects to another page that is itself a redirect. Double redirects should be avoided as they do not work properly.
• Broken Redirects: These are redirects that point to a non-existent page. They should be fixed to ensure proper navigation.

Managing Redirects

Redirects can be managed by editing the redirect page or by using special tools available to administrators. Some common tasks include:

• Fixing Double Redirects: Administrators can use the Special:DoubleRedirects page to identify and fix double redirects.
• Deleting Redirects: If a redirect is no longer needed, it can be deleted by an administrator.
• Updating Redirects: If the target page of a redirect changes, the redirect can be updated to point to the new target.

Uses of Redirects

Redirects are useful in various scenarios, including:

• Alternative Spellings: Redirects can handle different spellings or common misspellings of a page title.
• Merging Pages: When two pages are merged, one can be redirected to the other to preserve the history and links.
• Simplifying Navigation: Redirects can simplify navigation by providing shortcuts to longer or more complex page titles.

Related Pages

• Help:Editing
• Help:Page history
• Help:Categories
• Help:Templates
• Help:Special pages

See Also

• Wikipedia:Redirect
• Help:Moving a page
• Help:Deleting a page