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On this article, you’ll study What’s Wikipedia, it’s historical past, it’s affect and extra.
What’s Wikipedia?
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, is a multilingual on-line encyclopedia collaboratively edited by volunteers. It’s the largest and most-read reference work in historical past, and is persistently ranked among the many ten most visited web sites. As of August 2024, it was ranked fourth by Semrush, and seventh by Similarweb. Based by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger on January 15, 2001, Wikipedia has been hosted since 2003 by the Wikimedia Basis, a non-profit group funded primarily by donations.
Wikipedia is notable for its open-content enterprise mannequin and its emphasis on verifiability, which signifies that data should be attributable to a dependable, revealed supply. This has led to considerations concerning the accuracy and neutrality of its content material, in addition to questions concerning the position of volunteers in sustaining such a big and complicated venture.
Historical past
The concept for Wikipedia originated in 2001, when Nupedia, a free on-line encyclopedia venture, was launched. Nupedia was a collaborative venture that required articles to be written by specialists and reviewed by a board of editors. Nevertheless, the venture was sluggish to develop, and only some dozen articles have been revealed in its first yr.
In January 2001, Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger determined to create a wiki model of Nupedia, known as Wikipedia. A wiki is a sort of web site that enables customers to create and edit content material collaboratively. Wikipedia’s wiki software program, MediaWiki, was developed particularly for the venture.
Wikipedia shortly grew in reputation, and by 2005 it had grow to be the biggest and most complete encyclopedia on the planet. In 2007, Wikipedia was named the “Individual of the 12 months” by Time journal.
Content material
Wikipedia accommodates over 61 million articles in over 300 languages. The English Wikipedia is the biggest version, with over 6.9 million articles. Different giant editions embody the German, French, Spanish, and Russian Wikipedias.
Wikipedia articles are written by volunteers from everywhere in the world. Anybody can edit a Wikipedia article, so long as they observe the positioning’s pointers. This open-editing mannequin has led to considerations concerning the accuracy and neutrality of Wikipedia’s content material. Nevertheless, Wikipedia has numerous mechanisms in place to assist guarantee the standard of its articles, resembling a system of peer evaluation and a course of for resolving disputes.
Impression
Wikipedia has had a major affect on the best way individuals entry and devour data. It has made it attainable for anybody to study virtually any matter conceivable, without cost. Wikipedia has additionally had a major affect on the best way data is produced and disseminated. It has proven that a big and complicated venture might be efficiently managed by volunteers.
Wikipedia has additionally been criticized for its lack of range and its tendency to mirror the biases of its editors. Nevertheless, Wikipedia is continually evolving, and it’s doubtless that it’ll proceed to be an essential supply of knowledge for years to come back.
Conclusion
Wikipedia is a singular and worthwhile useful resource that has remodeled the best way we entry and devour data. It’s a testomony to the ability of collaboration and the significance of open entry to data. Whereas it has its flaws, Wikipedia is a useful instrument that has the potential to teach and inform individuals world wide.
Often Requested Questions (FAQs) About Wikipedia
Normal Questions
- What’s Wikipedia?
Wikipedia is a free on-line encyclopedia collaboratively edited by volunteers. It’s one of many largest and most-read reference works in historical past. - How does Wikipedia work?
Anybody can edit most articles on Wikipedia. The neighborhood of editors works collectively to make sure the accuracy and neutrality of knowledge. - Is Wikipedia dependable?
Whereas Wikipedia is mostly dependable, it’s essential to critically consider the data, particularly for delicate matters or these requiring exact particulars. - Who owns Wikipedia?
Wikipedia is hosted by the Wikimedia Basis, a non-profit group. - How is Wikipedia funded?
The Wikimedia Basis is primarily funded by donations.
Enhancing Wikipedia
- How do I edit a Wikipedia article?
To edit an article, merely click on the “Edit” button on the web page. You’ll be capable to add or modify textual content, pictures, and different content material. - What are the rules for enhancing Wikipedia?
Wikipedia has a set of pointers that editors ought to observe to keep up the standard and neutrality of the encyclopedia. These pointers cowl matters like citing sources, avoiding bias, and respecting copyright. - How can I contribute to Wikipedia if I’m not a superb author?
You may contribute to Wikipedia in some ways, resembling proofreading, fact-checking, including pictures, or translating articles.
Utilizing Wikipedia
- How can I discover data on Wikipedia?
You need to use the search bar on the high of the web page to seek for particular matters. You may also browse by class or discover featured articles. - How can I cite Wikipedia?
Whereas Wikipedia is a worthwhile useful resource, it’s usually not thought of a reputable supply for educational work. Nevertheless, you need to use Wikipedia to seek out dependable sources you can cite. - Are there any limitations to utilizing Wikipedia?
Whereas Wikipedia is a superb useful resource, it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a piece in progress. Some articles could also be incomplete or inaccurate.
