Help:Searching

Help:Searching

Searching is a fundamental feature of any mediawiki-based platform, allowing users to find specific content within the vast array of articles and pages. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively use the search functionality in MediaWiki, including tips and tricks for advanced searching.

Overview

The search feature in MediaWiki is designed to help users locate information quickly and efficiently. It is accessible from the search box, typically located at the top right corner of the page. Users can enter keywords or phrases to find relevant articles.

Basic Searching

To perform a basic search, simply type the desired keyword or phrase into the search box and press Enter. MediaWiki will return a list of pages that match the search terms. The search results are ranked based on relevance, with the most relevant pages appearing at the top.

Search Suggestions

As you type in the search box, MediaWiki may provide search suggestions. These are based on popular searches and existing page titles, helping you to quickly find what you are looking for.

Advanced Searching

For more precise results, MediaWiki offers advanced search options. These can be accessed by clicking on the "Advanced" link next to the search box.

Boolean Operators

MediaWiki supports the use of Boolean operators to refine search queries:

AND: Use this to find pages containing all specified terms. For example, `heart AND lung` will return pages that include both terms.
OR: Use this to find pages containing any of the specified terms. For example, `heart OR lung` will return pages that include either term.
NOT: Use this to exclude pages containing a specific term. For example, `heart NOT lung` will return pages that include "heart" but not "lung".

Wildcards

Wildcards can be used to search for variations of a word:

Asterisk (*): Represents any number of characters. For example, `cardi*` will match "cardiology", "cardiovascular", etc.
Question mark (?): Represents a single character. For example, `wom?n` will match "woman" and "women".

Search Filters

MediaWiki allows users to filter search results by namespace, category, and other criteria. This is particularly useful in large wikis with diverse content.

Namespace Filtering

Namespaces are used to organize content in MediaWiki. By default, searches are conducted in the main namespace, but users can specify other namespaces to include or exclude.

Category Filtering

Users can filter search results by category to find pages that belong to specific groups. This is done by adding `incategory:"CategoryName"` to the search query.

Search Preferences

Users can customize their search experience by adjusting preferences in their user settings. Options include setting default namespaces for searches and enabling or disabling search suggestions.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with searching, consider the following tips:

Ensure correct spelling of search terms.
Use different keywords or synonyms.
Check if the page exists under a different title.

Also see

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