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{{hatnote|For technical information about link formatting, see [[Wikipedia:Help:Link].}} | {{hatnote|For technical information about link formatting, see [[Wikipedia:Help:Link]].}} | ||
{{hatnote|For information on adding external links to articles, see [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:External links|Wikipedia:External links]].}} | {{hatnote|For information on adding external links to articles, see [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:External links|Wikipedia:External links]].}} | ||
{{UMoS guideline}} | {{UMoS guideline}} | ||
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'''Linking''' through [[Wikipedia:Hyperlink|hyperlinks]] is an important feature of the UniWiki (and MediaWiki software in general. Internal links bind the project together into an interconnected whole. [[Wikipedia:Interwiki links|Interwiki links]] bind the UniWiki to other useful resources such as [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia]], [[Wikipedia:Wiktionary|Wiktionary]], and external links bind the UniWiki to the [[Wikipedia:World Wide Web|World Wide Web]]. | '''Linking''' through [[Wikipedia:Hyperlink|hyperlinks]] is an important feature of the UniWiki (and MediaWiki software in general. Internal links bind the project together into an interconnected whole. [[Wikipedia:Interwiki links|Interwiki links]] bind the UniWiki to other useful resources such as [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia]], [[Wikipedia:Wiktionary|Wiktionary]], and external links bind the UniWiki to the [[Wikipedia:World Wide Web|World Wide Web]]. | ||
Appropriate links provide instant pathways to locations within and outside the project that are likely to increase readers' understanding of the topic at hand. Whenever writing or editing an article, it is important to consider not only what to put in the article, but what links to include to help the reader find related information, as well as which other pages should carry links ''to'' the article. Care should be taken to avoid both [[# | Appropriate links provide instant pathways to locations within and outside the project that are likely to increase readers' understanding of the topic at hand. Whenever writing or editing an article, it is important to consider not only what to put in the article, but what links to include to help the reader find related information, as well as which other pages should carry links ''to'' the article. Care should be taken to avoid both [[#Overlinking and underlinking|underlinking]] and [[#Overlinking and underlinking|overlinking]], as described below. | ||
This page provides guidelines as to when links should and should not be used, and how to format links. Detailed information about the syntax used to create links can be found at [[Wikipedia:Help:Link]]. The rules on linking applicable to [[Wikipedia:WP:Disambiguation|disambiguation]] pages are set out in the [[UniWiki:Manual of Style/Disambiguation pages|disambiguation style guide]]. | This page provides guidelines as to when links should and should not be used, and how to format links. Detailed information about the syntax used to create links can be found at [[Wikipedia:Help:Link]]. The rules on linking applicable to [[Wikipedia:WP:Disambiguation|disambiguation]] pages are set out in the [[UniWiki:Manual of Style/Disambiguation pages|disambiguation style guide]]. | ||
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===General points on linking style=== | ===General points on linking style=== | ||
*As explained in more detail at [[Wikipedia:Help:Link|Wikipedia:Wikilinks | *As explained in more detail at [[Wikipedia:Help:Link|Wikipedia:Wikilinks]], linking can be "direct" (<code><nowiki>[[Exploration]]</nowiki></code>, which results in {{xt|[[Exploration]]}}), or "piped" (<code><nowiki>[[Exploration|exploring]]</nowiki></code>, which results in {{xt|[[Exploration|exploring]]}} in the text, but still links to the article "[[Exploration]]" (though [[Wikipedia:Help:Pipe trick|Pipe trick]] is an easier way to create this particular link). | ||
*Section headings should not themselves contain links; instead, a {{tl|main}} or {{tl|see also}} template should be placed immediately after the heading. | *Section headings should not themselves contain links; instead, a {{tl|main}} or {{tl|see also}} template should be placed immediately after the heading. | ||
*Links should not be placed in the [[UniWiki:Manual of Style/Lead section#Format of the first sentence|boldface reiteration of the title]] in the opening sentence of a lead.<ref>Many, but not all, articles repeat the article title in bold face in the first line of the article. Linking the article to itself produces '''boldface text'''; this practice is discouraged as page moves will result in a useless circular link through a redirect. Linking ''part'' of the bolded text is also discouraged because it changes the visual effect of bolding; some readers will miss the visual cue which is the purpose of using bold face in the first place.</ref> | *Links should not be placed in the [[UniWiki:Manual of Style/Lead section#Format of the first sentence|boldface reiteration of the title]] in the opening sentence of a lead.<ref>Many, but not all, articles repeat the article title in bold face in the first line of the article. Linking the article to itself produces '''boldface text'''; this practice is discouraged as page moves will result in a useless circular link through a redirect. Linking ''part'' of the bolded text is also discouraged because it changes the visual effect of bolding; some readers will miss the visual cue which is the purpose of using bold face in the first place.</ref> | ||
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The function of links is to clarify, not emphasize; do not create links in order to draw attention to certain words or ideas, or as a mark of respect. | The function of links is to clarify, not emphasize; do not create links in order to draw attention to certain words or ideas, or as a mark of respect. | ||
Generally, a link should appear only | Generally, a link should appear only ''once'' in an article, but if helpful for readers, a link may be repeated in [[UniWiki:Manual of Style/Infoboxes|infoboxes]], tables, image captions, [[Wikipedia:Help:Footnotes|footnotes]], [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Hatnote|hatnotes]], and at the first occurrence after the lead. | ||
Duplicate linking in lists is permissible if it significantly aids the reader. This is most often the case when the list is presenting information that could just as aptly be formatted in a table, and is expected to be parsed for particular bits of data, not read from top to bottom. If the list is normal article prose that happens to be formatted as a list, treat it as normal article prose. | Duplicate linking in lists is permissible if it significantly aids the reader. This is most often the case when the list is presenting information that could just as aptly be formatted in a table, and is expected to be parsed for particular bits of data, not read from top to bottom. If the list is normal article prose that happens to be formatted as a list, treat it as normal article prose. | ||
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*Consider [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Starting an article|creating the article]] yourself. | *Consider [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Starting an article|creating the article]] yourself. | ||
*If an article on the specific topic does not yet exist, create a redirect page to the article about a more general topic, as described in section {{section link||Redirects}}. For example, if no article yet exists on the song "Sad Statue" from the album ''Mezmerize'', create a new article called [[Wikipedia:Sad Status|Sad Statue]] that is a redirect to the article ''[[Wikipedia:Mezmerize (album)|Mezmerize]]''. | *If an article on the specific topic does not yet exist, create a redirect page to the article about a more general topic, as described in section {{section link||Redirects}}. For example, if no article yet exists on the song "Sad Statue" from the album ''Mezmerize'', create a new article called [[Wikipedia:Sad Status|Sad Statue]] that is a redirect to the article ''[[Wikipedia:Mezmerize (album)|Mezmerize]]''. | ||
*If there is no article on a more general topic either, then create a [[ | *If there is no article on a more general topic either, then create a [[red link|red link]], but first read {{section link||Red links}} below. | ||
When neither a redirect nor a red link appear appropriate, consider linking to a more general article instead. For example, instead of {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Baroque hairstyles|Baroque hairstyles]]}}, write {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Baroque|Baroque]] hairstyles}}, {{xt|Baroque [[Wikipedia:Hairstyle|hairstyles]]}}, {{xt|Baroque hairstyles}}, or {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Hairstyle|hairstyles]] of the [[Wikipedia:Baroque|Baroque]]}} | When neither a redirect nor a red link appear appropriate, consider linking to a more general article instead. For example, instead of {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Baroque hairstyles|Baroque hairstyles]]}}, write {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Baroque|Baroque]] hairstyles}}, {{xt|Baroque [[Wikipedia:Hairstyle|hairstyles]]}}, {{xt|Baroque hairstyles}}, or {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Hairstyle|hairstyles]] of the [[Wikipedia:Baroque|Baroque]]}} | ||
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*'''Piping and redirects.''' As per {{section link||Link specificity}} above, do not use a piped link where it is possible to use a redirected term that fits well within the scope of the text. For example, let's assume that the page {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Papageno|Papageno]]}} is a redirect to the article about Mozart's opera ''[[Wikipedia:The Magic Flute|The Magic Flute]]''. While editing some other article, you might want to link the term {{xt|Papageno}}; here, you might be tempted to avoid the redirect by using a pipe within the link, as in {{!xt|<code><nowiki>[[Wikipedia:The Magic Flute|Papageno]]</nowiki></code>}}. Instead, write simply {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Papageno]]</nowiki></code>}} and let the system handle the rest. This has two advantages: first, if an article is written later about the more specific subject (in this case, "Papageno"), fewer links will need to be changed to accommodate the new article; second, it indicates that the article is [[Wikipedia:WP:Most wanted articles|wanted]]. | *'''Piping and redirects.''' As per {{section link||Link specificity}} above, do not use a piped link where it is possible to use a redirected term that fits well within the scope of the text. For example, let's assume that the page {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Papageno|Papageno]]}} is a redirect to the article about Mozart's opera ''[[Wikipedia:The Magic Flute|The Magic Flute]]''. While editing some other article, you might want to link the term {{xt|Papageno}}; here, you might be tempted to avoid the redirect by using a pipe within the link, as in {{!xt|<code><nowiki>[[Wikipedia:The Magic Flute|Papageno]]</nowiki></code>}}. Instead, write simply {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Papageno]]</nowiki></code>}} and let the system handle the rest. This has two advantages: first, if an article is written later about the more specific subject (in this case, "Papageno"), fewer links will need to be changed to accommodate the new article; second, it indicates that the article is [[Wikipedia:WP:Most wanted articles|wanted]]. | ||
==== | ====Piped links and redirects to sections of articles==== | ||
{{see also|UniWiki:Manual of Style/Linking#Section links}} | |||
{{see| | |||
Linking to particular [[Wikipedia:Section|sections]] of articles can be useful, inasmuch as it can take the reader immediately to the information that is most focused on the original topic. Use of a piped link here avoids the unsightly ''Article name#Section name'' in the display text (alternative methods are to use a [[#Redirects|redirect]] or {{Tl|Section link}}). The format for a link to a page section is {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Article#Section|name of link]]</nowiki></code>}}. For example, to link to the "Culture" subsection of the article {{xt|[[Oman]]}}, type {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Oman#Culture|culture of Oman]]</nowiki></code>}}; this displays as {{xt|[[Oman#Culture|culture of Oman]]}} (note that the section name is case-sensitive). When doing this, add a [[ | Linking to particular [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Section|sections]] of articles can be useful, inasmuch as it can take the reader immediately to the information that is most focused on the original topic. Use of a piped link here avoids the unsightly ''Article name#Section name'' in the display text (alternative methods are to use a [[#Redirects|redirect]] or {{Tl|Section link}}). The format for a link to a page section is {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Article#Section|name of link]]</nowiki></code>}}. For example, to link to the "Culture" subsection of the article {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Oman|Oman]]}}, type {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Oman#Culture|culture of Oman]]</nowiki></code>}}; this displays as {{xt|[[Wikipedia:Oman#Culture|culture of Oman]]}} (note that the section name is case-sensitive). When doing this, add a [[UniWiki:Manual of Style#Invisible comments|hidden comment]] to the target section such as <code><nowiki><!-- the article ''X'' links here --></nowiki></code> so that if another user edits the title of that section, they can fix the incoming links. | ||
{| align=right style="margin-left:24px; margin-bottom:20px" | {| align=right style="margin-left:24px; margin-bottom:20px" | ||
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|} | |} | ||
Many topics useful for linking may currently appear only as sections of other | Many topics useful for linking may currently appear only as sections of other UniWiki articles, but are potentially notable enough to become articles on their own. For example, the article {{xt|Eastern Anyshire}} might have a small "History" section, but this does not prevent the article {{xt|History of Eastern Anyshire}} being written eventually. Usually, a [[Wikipedia:WP:redirect|redirect]] page from such a sub-topic to a general topic will exist already; if not, they can be created when the occasion arises. It is bad practice to create links in article text using the format <code><nowiki>[[Article#Section]]</nowiki></code>; navigation then becomes difficult if the section is expanded into a new article. Instead, link using a redirect to the main topic; [[Wikipedia:WP:NOTBROKEN|it costs little]] and makes improvements easier. | ||
===Links to | ===Links to the UniWiki's categories=== | ||
{{See also|Wikipedia:Colon trick}} | {{hatnote|See also: [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Colon trick|Wikipedia:Colon trick]]}} | ||
Wikipedia has categories of articles like {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Category:Phrases]]</nowiki></code>}}; adding this to an article puts it into that category. You can link to a category by putting a colon in front. | Wikipedia has categories of articles like {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[Category:Phrases]]</nowiki></code>}}; adding this to an article puts it into that category. You can link to a category by putting a colon in front. | ||
For example {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[:Category:Phrases]]</nowiki></code>}} links to [[:Category:Phrases]], and piping can be used: [[:Category:Phrases|Phrases]]. | For example {{xt|<code><nowiki>[[:Category:Phrases]]</nowiki></code>}} links to [[Wikipedia:Category:Phrases|Category:Phrases]], and piping can be used: [[Wikipedia:Category:Phrases|Phrases]]. | ||
===Red links=== | ===Red links=== | ||
{{ | {{hatnote|See also: [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Red link|Wikipedia:Red link]]}} | ||
Overlinking in general is a style issue partly because of the undesirable effect upon readability. But if too many ''blue'' links is distracting (reducing the chance the article will be read), then a ''red'' link is even more so. The ''unassuming'' coloration of the text (probably black) is the most productive. | Overlinking in general is a style issue partly because of the undesirable effect upon readability. But if too many ''blue'' links is distracting (reducing the chance the article will be read), then a ''red'' link is even more so. The ''unassuming'' coloration of the text (probably black) is the most productive. | ||
In prose, if it seems that the level of red linking is overlinking, remember that red links have been found to be a driving force that encourage contributions<ref | In prose, if it seems that the level of red linking is overlinking, remember that red links have been found to be a driving force that encourage contributions<ref>Academic research has suggested that red links may be a driving force in wiki growth; See also ''[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Inflationary hypothesis of Wikipedia growth|Wikipedia:Inflationary hypothesis of Wikipedia growth]]''.</ref>, and then use that fact to balance the perceived stylistic issues of "overlinking" the red links. | ||
(Legitimate red links are titles to unfulfilled coverage of topics. Given a certain number of red links needed, if marking ''all'' of them could be overlinking, then just ''how many'' should be marked could be a style issue, and just ''which ones'' are priority is a helpful contribution. | |||
(Legitimate red links are titles to unfulfilled coverage of topics | |||
In [[WP:lists|lists]], overlinking red links can occur when every item on a list is a red link. If the list is uniform, where each item is obviously qualified for an article, a ''single'' red link (or blue link) could indicate that. If the list is not uniform, the research effort to mark all possible red links is a risky investment: while red means "approved" status, "black" remains ambiguous, even though it meant "disapproved" ''after research'' | In [[Wikipedia:WP:lists|lists]], overlinking red links can occur when every item on a list is a red link. If the list is uniform, where each item is obviously qualified for an article, a ''single'' red link (or blue link) could indicate that. If the list is not uniform, the research effort to mark all possible red links is a risky investment: while red means "approved" status, "black" remains ambiguous, even though it meant "disapproved" ''after research''. The removal of massive numbers of red links from an overlinked list is best handled by an editor skilled in the automation of [[Wikipedia:Text processing|text processing]]. | ||
Red links can also be removed if they violate | Red links can also be removed if they violate the [[Wikipedia:WP:red links|guideline for red links]], but otherwise red links do not have an expiration date. If you remain convinced there is overlinking of red links, consider turning some of them blue. The methods to do so are by creating a simple [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Stub|stub]], a [[Wikipedia:WP:redirect|redirect]], or a [[Wikipedia:WP:disambiguation|disambiguation]] page. All of these require the certainty that the red link was legitimate in the first place, such as the conventions on [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Naming conventions|naming]] and [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:AT|titling]]. | ||
===Checking links as they are created=== | ===Checking links as they are created=== | ||
One of the most common errors in linking occurs when editors do not check to see whether a [[Help:Link|link they have created]] goes to the intended location. This is especially true when a mistake is not obvious to the reader or to other editors. The text of links needs to be exact, and many Wikipedia destinations have a number of similar titles. To avoid such problems, which can be irritating for readers, the following procedure is recommended, especially for editors who are new to creating links. | One of the most common errors in linking occurs when editors do not check to see whether a [[Wikipedia:Help:Link|link they have created]] goes to the intended location. This is especially true when a mistake is not obvious to the reader or to other editors. The text of links needs to be exact, and many Wikipedia destinations have a number of similar titles. To avoid such problems, which can be irritating for readers, the following procedure is recommended, especially for editors who are new to creating links. | ||
# Carefully key in the link. | # Carefully key in the link. | ||
# Click on "Show preview". | # Click on "Show preview". | ||
# In the display-mode, click on the links (or open them in a new browser [[tab (GUI)|tab]]) to check they go where you intend; if they do not, fix them. If a destination page does not appear to exist, do a quick search to determine whether the article has a differently worded title or the subject is treated in a section of another article. Adjust the link accordingly or leave it as a red link. | # In the display-mode, click on the links (or open them in a new browser [[Wikipedia:tab (GUI)|tab]]) to check they go where you intend; if they do not, fix them. If a destination page does not appear to exist, do a quick search to determine whether the article has a differently worded title or the subject is treated in a section of another article. Adjust the link accordingly or leave it as a red link. | ||
# Return to the "Show preview" page using your browser's return button (or close the browser tab showing the linked article). | # Return to the "Show preview" page using your browser's return button (or close the browser tab showing the linked article). | ||
# Click on "Save page". | # Click on "Save page". | ||
By following [[Wikipedia:Naming conventions|naming conventions]], an internal link will be much more likely to lead to an existing article. When there is not yet an article about the subject, a good link will make the creation of a correctly named article much easier for subsequent writers. | By following [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Naming conventions|naming conventions]], an internal link will be much more likely to lead to an existing article. When there is not yet an article about the subject, a good link will make the creation of a correctly named article much easier for subsequent writers. | ||
==Specific cases== | ==Specific cases== | ||
=== | ===Units of measurement that are not obscure=== | ||
Units should generally only be linked to if they are likely to be obscure to readers of the article, or if they are being discussed (see [[Wikipedia:Use-mention distinction|use–mention distinction]]). So, for example, the [[Wikipedia:Troy ounce|troy ounce]] or [[Wikipedia:Bushel|bushel]], the [[Wikipedia:Candela|candela]], [[Wikipedia:Mho|mho]], or [[Wikipedia:Millibarn|millibarn]] might be considered obscure. Units that are relatively common generally don't need to be linked. | |||
Units should generally only be linked to if they are likely to be obscure to readers of the article, or if they are being discussed (see [[use–mention distinction]]). So, for example, the [[troy ounce]] or [[bushel]], the [[candela]], [[mho]], or [[millibarn]] might be considered obscure. Units that are relatively common generally don't need to be linked. | |||
==External links section== | ==External links section== | ||
===Syntax=== | ===Syntax=== | ||
The syntax for referencing a [[URL]] is simple. Just enclose it in single brackets with a space between the URL and the text that will be displayed when the page is previewed or saved: | The syntax for referencing a [[Wikipedia:URL|URL]] is simple. Just enclose it in single brackets with a space between the URL and the text that will be displayed when the page is previewed or saved: | ||
:<code><nowiki>[http://www.example.org Text to display]</nowiki></code> | :<code><nowiki>[http://www.example.org Text to display]</nowiki></code> | ||
The text will display as: | The text will display as: | ||
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===Link titles=== | ===Link titles=== | ||
You should not add a descriptive title to an embedded HTML link within an article. Instead, when giving an embedded link as a source within an article, simply enclose the URL in square brackets, like this: <code><nowiki>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1650417,00.html]</nowiki></code> → {{xt|[http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1650417,00.html]}}. However, you should add a descriptive title when an external link is offered in the References, Further reading, or External links section. This is done by supplying descriptive text after the URL, separated by a space and enclosing it all in square brackets. | You should not add a descriptive title to an embedded HTML link within an article. Instead, when giving an embedded link as a source within an article, simply enclose the URL in square brackets, like this: <code><nowiki>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1650417,00.html]</nowiki></code> → {{xt|[http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1650417,00.html]}}. However, you should add a descriptive title when an external link is offered in the References, Further reading, or External links section. This is done by supplying descriptive text after the URL, separated by a space and enclosing it all in square brackets. | ||
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is displayed like this: | is displayed like this: | ||
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/] | :[http://en.wikipedia.org/] | ||
When an embedded HTML link is used to provide an inline source in an article, a numbered link should be used after the punctuation, like this, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:CITE] with a full citation given in the References section. This style of referencing is not recommended, because such links are susceptible to [[WP:LR|link rot]] | When an embedded HTML link is used to provide an inline source in an article, a numbered link should be used after the punctuation, like this, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:CITE] with a full citation given in the References section. This style of referencing is not recommended, because such links are susceptible to [[Wikipedia:WP:LR|link rot]]. | ||
When placed in the References and External links sections, these links should be expanded with link text, and preferably a full citation, including the name of the article, the author, the journal or newspaper the article appeared in, the date it was published, and the date retrieved. | When placed in the References and External links sections, these links should be expanded with link text, and preferably a full citation, including the name of the article, the author, the journal or newspaper the article appeared in, the date it was published, and the date retrieved. | ||
===Position in article=== | ===Position in article=== | ||
{{Main | {{Main|UniWiki:Manual of Style/Layout#Order of article elements}} | ||
Embedded links that support information in an article are positioned in the same manner as any other reference in the article, following the usual standards about [[Wikipedia:Citing sources#Embedded links|citation formatting]] and [[ | Embedded links that support information in an article are positioned in the same manner as any other reference in the article, following the usual standards about [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Citing sources#Embedded links|citation formatting]] and [[UniWiki:Manual of Style#Punctuation and footnotes|placement in relation to punctuation]]. | ||
Links that are '''not''' used as sources can be listed in the External links section, like this: | Links that are '''not''' used as sources can be listed in the External links section, like this: | ||
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: <code><nowiki>*[http:// </nowiki></code> | : <code><nowiki>*[http:// </nowiki></code> | ||
: <code><nowiki>*[http:// </nowiki></code> | : <code><nowiki>*[http:// </nowiki></code> | ||
As with other top-level headings, two equal signs should be used to mark up the external links heading (see [[ | As with other top-level headings, two equal signs should be used to mark up the external links heading (see [[UniWiki:Manual of Style/Layout#Headings|Headings]]). ''External links'' should always be the last section in an article. It precedes categories and some kinds of [[Wikipedia:WP:NAVBOX|navigation templates]]. | ||
If there is a dispute on the position of an embedded link, consider organizing alphabetically. | If there is a dispute on the position of an embedded link, consider organizing alphabetically. | ||
===File type and size=== | ===File type and size=== | ||
If the link is not to an [[HTML]] or [[PDF]] file (the latter is identified automatically by the software with an icon like this: {{xt|[http://www.example.com/test.pdf]}}), identify the file type | If the link is not to an [[Wikipedia:HTML|HTML]] or [[Wikipedia:PDF|PDF]] file (the latter is identified automatically by the software with an icon like this: {{xt|[http://www.example.com/test.pdf]}}), identify the file type. If a [[Wikipedia:Browser plugin|browser plugin]] is required to view the file, mention that as well. If a link is to a PDF file but doesn't end with <code>.pdf</code>, you can put a <code>#.pdf</code> at the end to flag it as a PDF. | ||
If the link is to a large file (in the case of HTML, consider the size of the entire page, including the images), a note about that is useful too. Someone with a slow (or expensive) connection may decide not to use it. | If the link is to a large file (in the case of HTML, consider the size of the entire page, including the images), a note about that is useful too. Someone with a slow (or expensive) connection may decide not to use it. | ||
==Interwiki links== | ==Interwiki links== | ||
{{ | {{hatnote|See also: [[Wikipedia:Help:Interwikimedia links]]}} | ||
===Linking=== | ===Linking=== | ||
Interwiki links can take the form of: | Interwiki links can take the form of: | ||
:<code><nowiki>[[ | :<code><nowiki>[[Wikipedia:article]]</nowiki></code> which appears as: [[Wikipedia:article]] | ||
The pipe symbol suppresses the prefix: | The pipe symbol suppresses the prefix: | ||
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Adding text after the pipe allows different text: | Adding text after the pipe allows different text: | ||
:<code><nowiki>[[ | :<code><nowiki>[[Wikipedia:article|Any text]]</nowiki></code> → [[Wikipedia:article|Any text]] | ||
To avoid reader confusion, inline interwiki linking within an article's body text is generally discouraged. Exceptions: [[Wikipedia:Wiktionary|Wiktionary]] and [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia]] entries may be linked inline (e.g. to an unusual word or the text of a document being discussed). | |||
==Link maintenance== | ==Link maintenance== | ||
Linking and continual change are both central features of | Linking and continual change are both central features of the UniWiki. However, continual change makes linking vulnerable to acquired technical faults, and to the later provision of different information from that which was originally intended. This is true of both "outgoing" links (''from'' an article) and "incoming" links (''to'' an article). | ||
*''Outgoing links:'' These should be checked from time to time for unintended changes that are undesirable. If the opportunity arises to improve their formatting, appropriateness, and focus, this should be done. | *''Outgoing links:'' These should be checked from time to time for unintended changes that are undesirable. If the opportunity arises to improve their formatting, appropriateness, and focus, this should be done. | ||
*''Incoming links:'' Creating an article will turn | *''Incoming links:'' Creating an article will turn orange any existing red links to its title (proper red links are created only in the hope that an article will eventually be written). Therefore, when creating an article, it is wise to check "What links here" to identify such red links, if any, and that they are appropriate. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Linking dos and don'ts|Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Linking dos and don'ts]] (information page summarizing the key points of this guideline) | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Linking dos and don'ts]] (information page summarizing the key points of this guideline) | *[[Wikipedia:Help:Interwikimedia links]] | ||
*[[Help:Interwikimedia links]] | *[[Wikipedia:Help:Link color]] | ||
*[[Help:Link color]] | *[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Dead-end pages|Wikipedia:Dead-end pages]], pages without internal links | ||
*[[ | *[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Integrate|Wikipedia:Integrate]] | ||
*[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Links to (disambiguation) pages|Wikipedia:Links to (disambiguation) pages]] | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Orphan|Wikipedia:Orphan]], pages without incoming links | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Red link|Wikipedia:Red link]] (example [[red link]]) | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Walled garden|Wikipedia:Walled garden]] | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Integrate]] | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Links to (disambiguation) pages | |||
*[[Wikipedia: | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Red link]] ([[ | |||
*[[Wikipedia:Walled garden | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||