wikicode

Wikicode refers to the simplified markup language used for editing and creating content on wiki platforms, most notably Wikipedia. It enables users to format text, insert links, add images, and structure articles through a series of standardized syntax and tags. Wikicode is designed to be accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise, allowing collaborative editing and content management.

The syntax of wikicode includes basic formatting elements such as double apostrophes for italics (' '' ') and triple apostrophes for bold (' ''' '). It also supports creating headers with equal signs (e.g., = Header =), lists (both ordered and unordered), references, and footnotes. Links to other Wikipedia articles are created using brackets ([[Article Name]]), often with additional parameters for display text or specific sections. Images and media are embedded using specific tags, such as [[File:ImageName.jpg|thumb|Caption]].

Wikicode operates behind the scenes of wiki editors that provide WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interfaces, but knowledge of its syntax allows for more precise editing and troubleshooting. It is essential for contributing to wiki content, enabling contributors to add, update, or improve articles efficiently.

While wikicode originated on Wikipedia, its principles and syntax are adopted by numerous other wiki-based platforms. Its design emphasizes simplicity, flexibility, and interoperability, facilitating collaborative knowledge sharing across diverse subjects and communities. Understanding wikicode is fundamental for editors seeking to participate actively and effectively in wiki environments.