LocalSettingsphp

LocalSettingsphp is a configuration file used by MediaWiki, the software that powers Wikipedia and many other wikis. This file is essential for customizing the behavior and appearance of a MediaWiki installation. It is written in PHP and located in the root directory of the MediaWiki installation.

When a MediaWiki site is first set up, the installer generates a basic LocalSettingsphp file. Administrators can then edit this file to enable or disable various extensions, change skin settings, set up authentication methods, and define site-specific parameters. For example, enabling extensions like VisualEditor or Cite requires specific lines of code within LocalSettingsphp. Similarly, changing the default skin from Vector to Timeless involves modifying a variable in this file.

The file allows for granular control over many aspects of the wiki. Database connection details, upload file size limits, and email sending configurations are all managed here. It also serves as a central point for security settings, such as enabling HTTPS or defining allowed IP addresses. Due to its critical role, LocalSettingsphp should be protected from unauthorized access. Incorrectly editing this file can lead to a broken wiki, so it is crucial to make backups before making any changes and to test modifications carefully. The MediaWiki documentation provides comprehensive guides on the various settings available within LocalSettingsphp.