Help:Wikipedia: The Missing Manual

Wikipedia_-_The_Missing_Manual_9780596515164_lrg

Help:Wikipedia: The Missing Manual

Wikipedia: The Missing Manual is a comprehensive guidebook designed to help users understand and contribute to Wikipedia. Written by John Broughton, the manual provides detailed instructions on how to edit, format, and maintain articles on the platform. It is part of the O'Reilly Media series of Missing Manuals, which are known for their user-friendly approach to complex subjects.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The manual is structured to cater to both beginners and experienced editors. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

Key Features[edit | edit source]

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of Wikipedia editing:

Getting Started[edit | edit source]

This section introduces new users to the basics of Wikipedia, including how to create an account, navigate the site, and understand the Five Pillars of Wikipedia.

Editing Articles[edit | edit source]

Detailed instructions on how to edit existing articles, create new ones, and use the Sandbox for practice. It also covers the use of Wiki markup and VisualEditor.

Advanced Editing[edit | edit source]

For more experienced users, this section delves into advanced topics such as Templates, Categories, and Infoboxes.

Collaboration and Community[edit | edit source]

Guidance on how to interact with other editors, participate in WikiProjects, and engage in consensus-building.

Maintenance and Patrolling[edit | edit source]

Instructions on how to maintain the quality of Wikipedia articles, including vandalism patrol, recent changes patrol, and new pages patrol.

Importance[edit | edit source]

Wikipedia: The Missing Manual is considered an essential resource for anyone looking to contribute to Wikipedia. It helps users understand the platform's guidelines and policies, ensuring that contributions are accurate, verifiable, and neutral.