Examine individual changes

'@@ -1,7 +1,21 @@ = Nevada Wiki: Editing Guide = -Welcome to the Nevada Wiki Editing Guide! This guide will help you contribute articles, fix errors, and expand knowledge about Nevada’s cities, people, events, and landmarks. Whether you're using the Visual Editor or the Source Editor, we've got you covered. +Welcome to the Nevada Wiki Editing Guide! This page will help you learn how to create and improve articles about Nevada’s cities, people, places, and history. Whether you're completely new to wikis or experienced with MediaWiki, this guide has something for you. '''Note:''' You must be a '''registered user with a confirmed email address''' to edit or create pages. + +== For First-Time Editors == + +Editing this wiki can be simple! Here's how to get started: + +* Click “Edit” at the top of a page to use the '''Visual Editor''' — it's like editing a document. +* You can also click “Edit source” to see and modify the '''wikitext code''' (advanced). +* Use “Show preview” before saving your changes. +* Write a short summary of what you changed in the “Edit summary” box. +* Always save your work by clicking “Save changes.” + +Don't worry — you can't break anything permanently. Every edit is saved in the page history. + +If you're unsure, start small! Fix a typo, add a sentence, or update a date. Every contribution helps. == Contents == @@ -19,86 +33,75 @@ 12. [[#Using_Talk_Pages|Using Talk Pages]] 13. [[#Editing_Rules_and_Etiquette|Editing Rules and Etiquette]] +14. [[#Further_Resources|Further Resources]] == Account Requirements == -* You must be logged in to edit or create pages. -* Your email must be confirmed. -* Some features may be restricted to autoconfirmed users (typically after a few edits or a few days). +* You must be logged in to create or edit pages. +* Your email must be confirmed via the link sent to your inbox. +* Some editing features may be restricted until your account is autoconfirmed (after a few edits or a short time). == Editing Modes == === Visual Editor === -* Works like a word processor. -* Use the toolbar to add formatting, links, templates, and images. -* Good for general contributors or quick edits. +* User-friendly and similar to a word processor. +* Use toolbar buttons to format text, add links, insert media, or create headings. +* Ideal for new users or basic edits. === Source Editor === -* Allows editing in raw wikitext format. -* Needed for advanced templates, formatting, or debugging. -* Use the "Edit source" tab at the top of the page. +* Shows the raw wikitext code (with templates and formatting). +* Allows for full control and is required for complex editing. +* Accessible by clicking “Edit source”. == Creating a New Page == -1. Use the search box to see if the page already exists. -2. If not, click the red link or "Create the page" option. -3. Use templates when appropriate for consistent structure (see below). +1. Use the search bar to check if the page exists. +2. If not, click the red link or "Create the page". +3. Start with a heading and use templates where available (see below). == Editing Existing Pages == -* Click "Edit" or "Edit source" on a page. -* Make your changes. -* Use the "Edit summary" box to briefly describe your changes. -* Preview before saving. +* Use either editor to add, update, or fix content. +* Write a short description of your edit in the summary box. +* Use “Show preview” to check your work before saving. == Using Templates == -Templates help keep content standardized. +Templates make articles consistent and easy to update. === In Visual Editor === -* Go to Insert > Template -* Enter the template name and fill in the fields +* Use Insert > Template and fill out fields. === In Source Editor === -Paste the template code manually: +Paste a template like this: <pre> {{InfoboxCity | name = Reno + | county = Washoe | population = 264165 - | county = Washoe }} </pre> -See [[Nevada Wiki:Templates]] for a list of available templates. +See [[Nevada Wiki:Templates]] for available templates. == Adding Categories == -=== In Visual Editor === +=== Visual Editor === * Click the ☰ menu > Categories -=== In Source Editor === -Add categories at the end of the page: +=== Source Editor === +At the end of the page, add: <pre> [[Category:Cities in Nevada]] -[[Category:Geography of Nevada]] </pre> == Linking Between Pages == - -=== In Visual Editor === -* Highlight text, click the link icon, and search for the page. - -=== In Source Editor === -Use the following syntax: - +* Link to other wiki pages using: <pre> [[Las Vegas]] -[[Las Vegas|The city of Las Vegas]] +[[Carson City|Capital of Nevada]] </pre> + +* In Visual Editor, highlight text and click the link icon. == Adding References == - -=== In Visual Editor === -* Use the "Cite" menu to add references or custom sources. - -=== In Source Editor === -Use the following format: +To cite sources: <pre> @@ -108,14 +111,10 @@ <references /> </pre> + +Use “Cite” in Visual Editor to insert references. == Adding Images and Media == - -* Upload images using the "Upload file" link in the sidebar. - -=== In Visual Editor === -* Use Insert > Media - -=== In Source Editor === -Use the following code: +1. Upload files using “Upload file” in the sidebar. +2. Insert with: <pre> @@ -124,23 +123,35 @@ == Styling and Formatting == -* Use headings with == Like This == -* Use bullet points (*) and numbered lists (#) -* Italics: <nowiki>''italic''</nowiki> | Bold: <nowiki>'''bold'''</nowiki> -* Use tables and templates for structure +* Use headings with `== Heading ==` +* Italics: <nowiki>''italic''</nowiki>, Bold: <nowiki>'''bold'''</nowiki> +* Lists: `*` for bullets, `#` for numbers +* Tables: use `{|` syntax or Visual Editor’s table tool == Naming Conventions == -* Use proper nouns with title case (e.g., "Lake Mead") -* Use singular titles unless the subject is a list -* Avoid slang, abbreviations, or unofficial names unless widely recognized +* Use proper nouns and title case: "Lake Mead" not "lake mead" +* Use singular page names unless listing multiple items +* Be clear and consistent == Using Talk Pages == -* Use the Talk tab to discuss changes or improvements. -* Sign your messages with <nowiki>--~~~~</nowiki> to include your username and timestamp. +* Use Talk tabs to suggest changes or ask questions. +* Sign your comments with: <nowiki>--~~~~</nowiki> == Editing Rules and Etiquette == -* Be respectful to other editors. -* Provide sources for factual claims. -* Avoid copying content from copyrighted sources. -* Preview your changes before saving. +* Be respectful and constructive. +* Cite reliable sources. +* Don’t copy large blocks of text from other websites. +* Preview before saving. +* Discuss major changes on the Talk page first. + +== Further Resources == +For more advanced help, visit these official MediaWiki guides: + +* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Editing_pages Help:Editing pages] +* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting Help:Formatting] +* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates Help:Templates] +* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Categories Help:Categories] +* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Links Help:Links] +* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Images Help:Images] +* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Extension:VisualEditor/User_guide VisualEditor User Guide] -Thank you for contributing to Nevada Wiki! +Thank you for helping build the Nevada Wiki! 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