Managing Extensions in MediaWiki

Extensions in MediaWiki allow you to add new features and functionalities to your site. This guide will walk you through the process of finding, installing, and managing extensions in MediaWiki.

Steps to Manage Extensions in MediaWiki

Step 1: Find the Extension You Need

Before you can install an extension, you need to find one that suits your needs. The best place to search for extensions is the official MediaWiki extensions repository at MediaWiki Extensions.

Step 2: Download the Extension

  1. Navigate to the extension page on the MediaWiki website.
  2. Read the documentation to understand the features and requirements of the extension.
  3. Download the extension files. This is typically done by downloading a .zip file or cloning a Git repository.

Step 3: Upload the Extension to Your Server

Once you have downloaded the extension, you need to upload it to your MediaWiki installation:

  1. Use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager to upload the extension files.
  2. Upload the extension files to the extensions directory of your MediaWiki installation (e.g., /path/to/mediawiki/extensions).

Step 4: Install the Extension

After uploading the extension files, you need to install the extension by adding a line to your LocalSettings.php file:

// Example for installing an extension
wfLoadExtension( 'ExtensionName' );

Replace ExtensionName with the name of the extension you are installing. Some extensions may have different or additional installation instructions, so always refer to the extension’s documentation.

Step 5: Configure the Extension

Many extensions come with configuration options that you can set in your LocalSettings.php file. Refer to the extension’s documentation for details on available configuration settings and how to apply them.

// Example configuration for an extension
$wgExampleSetting = true;

Step 6: Verify the Extension

After installing and configuring the extension, verify that it is working correctly:

  1. Go to your MediaWiki site and test the new features added by the extension.
  2. Check for any errors or issues in your site’s functionality.
  3. Refer to the extension’s documentation or support page for troubleshooting tips if you encounter any problems.

Additional Tips

  • Update Extensions Regularly: Keep your extensions up to date to benefit from new features and security patches. Check the extension page for updates and follow the same process to upload and install the new version.
  • Backup Your Site: Before installing or updating extensions, always make a backup of your MediaWiki site, including the database and files.
  • Disable Unused Extensions: If you no longer need an extension, disable it by commenting out or removing the relevant line in your LocalSettings.php file. This can help improve site performance and security.
  • Check Compatibility: Ensure that the extensions you install are compatible with your version of MediaWiki. Compatibility information is usually available on the extension’s page.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily manage extensions in MediaWiki to enhance the functionality and user experience of your site. Extensions provide a powerful way to add new features and customise your MediaWiki installation to better meet your needs. Always refer to the extension documentation for specific instructions and configurations.

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