Wiki
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Get a Wiki!
What is a Wiki?
A wiki is a web application that allows anyone to add or edit the content. Ward Cunningham invented the wiki name and concept, and implemented the first wiki engine in 1995 [1]. The name was based on the Hawaiian term wiki wiki, meaning "quick" or "informal."
A wiki enables documents to be written collectively in a simple markup language using a web browser. A defining characteristic of wiki technology is the ease with which pages can be created and updated. Generally, there is no review before modifications are accepted. Most wikis are open to the general public without the need to register any user account. Sometimes session log-in is requested to acquire a "wiki-signature" cookie for autosigning edits. More private wiki servers require user authentication.
For more information, see Wikipedia's Wiki entry or Wiki SWOT Anlaysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats).
Features
There are many different wiki engines all with their own features. Every one has advantages and disadvantages. The list below are common features found in most wikis.
- Web-based
- Anyone can add or edit content
- Easy to create and format content
- Interwiki linking
- Searchable
- Version control
- Database driven
- Categories
- Discussions
Challenges
Below are some concerns or myths people seem to have about wikis. Keep them in mind when using a wiki as most of them can be prevented or fixed if you plan ahead. For more information, see WhyWikiDoesntNotWork at Community Wiki
- Anyone can add incorrect or unreadable content
- Vandalism and spam will ruin pages
- People won't want to contribute
- Visual Appeal
