Help:Transclusion

Transclusion is a feature of the MediaWiki software that allows content from one page to be included in, or "transcluded" into, another page. This means that the same piece of content can be displayed on multiple pages without having to be copied and pasted into each page. Transclusion is widely used in various types of wikis, including the Wikipedia, for a range of purposes such as displaying information, templates, infoboxes, and other reusable content.

Overview

Transclusion works by embedding a reference to another page (or a section of it) within a page. When the page is viewed, the MediaWiki software automatically includes the content from the referenced page at the location of the reference. This is particularly useful for maintaining consistency across a wiki, as updates to the transcluded content only need to be made in one place.

The most common method of transclusion involves using the {{Template}} namespace. Templates are pages designed specifically for being included in other pages. When a template is edited, all pages that transclude that template will automatically display the updated content.

Syntax

The basic syntax for transcluding a page is as follows:

{{Page name}}

For transcluding a specific section of a page, the syntax is:

{{Page name|section}}

Parameters can also be passed to templates to customize the transcluded content for each instance:

{{Template name|parameter1=value1|parameter2=value2}}

Uses

Transclusion is used for a variety of purposes on wikis, including:

• Displaying the same content on multiple pages to ensure consistency and ease of maintenance.
• Creating templates for common page elements such as infoboxes, navigation boxes, and warning messages.
• Including up-to-date information, such as statistics or news, on multiple pages.
• Implementing complex page layouts and content structures that can be reused across a wiki.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Reduces duplication of content, making it easier to maintain and update information.
• Allows for the creation of complex, dynamic content structures without requiring advanced programming skills.
• Facilitates consistency across a wiki, ensuring that all instances of transcluded content are the same.

Disadvantages:

• Can lead to performance issues if overused or used improperly, as each transclusion requires the server to process additional requests.
• May cause confusion for new editors who are unfamiliar with how transclusion works.
• Over-reliance on templates and transcluded content can make pages less flexible and harder to customize.

See Also

• Help:Template
• Wikipedia:Template documentation
• Wikipedia:Infobox templates