Sisäviitteitä

Sisäviitteitä, often translated as internal references or cross-references, are a fundamental element in wikis and other collaborative knowledge bases. They serve to connect related articles or specific sections within an article, thereby enhancing navigation and providing users with a richer, more interconnected information experience.

The primary function of internal references is to guide readers to further information. When a user encounters a term or concept that is explained in more detail elsewhere, an internal reference allows them to easily jump to that relevant page. This is typically achieved through hyperlinked text. For example, a sentence might read: "The capital of France is [[Paris]]." Clicking on "Paris" would take the reader to the article specifically about Paris.

Internal references can also be used to link to specific sections within a longer article, using a pipe symbol to display different text. For instance, a reference might appear as [[Article Name#Section Title|linked text]], allowing for precise navigation. This is particularly useful for very long articles or when an abbreviation or a more general term needs to be linked to a specific, detailed part of another page.

The effective use of internal references is crucial for the usability and discoverability of information within a wiki. They prevent information silos and encourage exploration, allowing users to follow threads of knowledge and build a deeper understanding of a topic. Overlinking or using irrelevant references, however, can be detrimental, creating a cluttered and confusing experience. The goal is to provide helpful pathways to related content, not to overwhelm the reader.