MOS:SECLINK

MOS:SECLINK

The "MOS:SECLINK" is a guideline within the Wikipedia Manual of Style that provides instructions on how to properly format and use section links in Wikipedia articles. Section links are used to direct readers to specific sections within an article, enhancing navigation and usability.

Overview

Section links are a powerful tool in Wikipedia articles, allowing editors to create direct links to specific sections within the same article or in other articles. This is particularly useful for long articles where readers may want to jump directly to a relevant section without scrolling through the entire page.

Usage

To create a section link, you use the "#" symbol followed by the section heading. For example, to link to a section titled "History" within the same article, you would use the following syntax:

History section

If you are linking to a section in a different article, you include the article name followed by the "#" symbol and the section heading:

Link Text

Guidelines

The MOS:SECLINK guideline emphasizes the following points:

• Clarity: Ensure that the link text clearly indicates the destination section. Avoid ambiguous or misleading link text.
• Relevance: Use section links when they provide significant value to the reader, such as when referencing specific information that is directly relevant to the context.
• Avoid Overlinking: Do not overuse section links, as this can clutter the text and distract readers. Use them judiciously.
• Consistency: Follow consistent formatting and style when creating section links to maintain a professional and uniform appearance across articles.

Examples

Here are some examples of properly formatted section links:

• To link to the "History" section of the "Wikipedia" article:

 History of Wikipedia

• To link to the "Symptoms" section of the "Influenza" article:

 Influenza Symptoms

Common Mistakes

Some common mistakes to avoid when using section links include:

• Incorrect Section Names: Ensure that the section name is spelled correctly and matches the heading exactly, including capitalization.
• Broken Links: Verify that the section exists and that the link is functional.
• Overuse: Avoid linking to sections unnecessarily, especially if the section is easily accessible or if the link does not add significant value.

Also see

• MOS:LINK - General guidelines on linking within Wikipedia articles.
• MOS:HEAD - Guidelines on creating and formatting section headings.
• Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Linking - Comprehensive guide on linking practices.