Editing a page

The How to edit a page at wikipedia contains detailed instructions on editing a mediawiki page.

However you can edit most pages by following these simple instructions.

Click on the Edit tab at the top to view the edit window. This will show the existing code for the page. You can then add in any changes and additions.

Simple Markup
The markup language for mediawiki is very simple.

Above the edit area are a set of markup buttons that cover the basic functions for editing pages. Hover over the buttons for an explanation of each.



Section titles
Section titles can be added by bracketing text with = signs. A table of contents will be automatically generated based on the titles.

=level 1 title=

Bold and Italics
These can be combined as shown below
 * To display text as bold bracket the text with '''
 * Italics are bracketed with ''

bold text italic text ''bold and italic

Wiki Links
To link to another page in the wiki bracket the text with . If the page doesn't exist the text will display in red (clicking on a red link will invite you to create the page).  Mediawiki will automatically find and create [[ links when you save a created / edited page.

You can link using alternative text by piping the link.

]]page link alternative text

Adding a signature and time stamp
To add a signature and time stamp use the following code.

--~

Categories
Add information here on category use and markup

Templates
Add information here on using basic templates (page status templates). Template creation and template variables should be handled elsewhere as they are advanced subjects.

Page status templates and simple templates to show the overall status of a page. For example a page which is incomplete should use Template:Incomplete so visitors can easily see it's status. To add a status template to a page use a template link as shown below.

Edit Tools
At the bottom of the window are a set of edit tools.



The Summary box allows you to enter some notes regarding the edit. You should enter some information here so that wiki admins can see what reason the edit was made.


 * If the edit was minor, a spelling or format correction, then tick the box.
 * If you want to receive email updates when the page is edited then tick Watch this page.
 * Save page, leaves edit mode and saves the page.
 * Show preview shows the page as it will look at the bottom of the window. with the edit box above.
 * Show changes, compares the code before and after the edit.
 * Cancel, discards the edits and returns to the page.
 * Editing help, displays this page.