description Wikipedia Overview
Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia built through collaborative editing by volunteers worldwide. It offers an expansive knowledge base covering nearly all subjects and serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone seeking information. Its scale and open nature make it a significant tool for learning and exploring diverse topics on the internet.
balance Wikipedia Pros & Cons
- free public access
- global topic coverage
- citation requirements
- continuous content updates
- quality varies by article
- editor disputes on topics
- requires independent source checks
help Wikipedia FAQ
Who writes and edits Wikipedia articles?
Wikipedia articles are written and edited by volunteers using MediaWiki software. The site is hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003.
Can Wikipedia be used as a source for school research?
Wikipedia is useful for orientation, but many teachers prefer citing the sources listed at the bottom of an article. Each article's references, revision history, and talk page can help evaluate reliability.
What was the first language version of Wikipedia?
The English-language Wikipedia launched on January 15, 2001. It was started by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger as an open companion to the earlier Nupedia project.
Why do some Wikipedia pages get locked?
Pages can be protected when they face vandalism, edit wars, or heavy disruption around controversial topics. Protection may limit edits to confirmed users or administrators for a set period.
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