Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a free, web-based, collaborative, multilingual encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Launched in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, it has since grown to become one of the most widely used reference sources on the internet. Wikipedia is a project of the Wikimedia Foundation and relies on volunteers worldwide to write and edit articles on nearly every conceivable subject.

Key Features:

1. User-Generated Content: Wikipedia allows anyone with internet access to contribute to or edit articles. This collaborative, open model ensures that information is constantly updated and refined by a global community of users.
2. Extensive Content: Wikipedia hosts millions of articles on topics ranging from history, science, and geography to entertainment, politics, and pop culture. Its content spans numerous languages and is continually expanding.
3. Citations and References: Articles on Wikipedia often include citations from reliable sources to support the information presented, ensuring that the content adheres to standards of verifiability.
4. Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Wikipedia articles are written from a neutral perspective, which means they are expected to represent facts and multiple viewpoints without bias.
5. Editable by Anyone: Almost all content on Wikipedia can be edited by registered and anonymous users, allowing the encyclopedia to be continuously updated. However, some pages may be restricted to prevent vandalism or maintain accuracy.
6. Wiki Markup: Wikipedia uses a wiki-based editing system, where contributors use a simple markup language to format text, add links, and upload images. For users who prefer it, Wikipedia also provides a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor.
7. Structured Articles: Articles are generally well-structured, with sections, headings, and lists, making them easy to navigate. They may also include multimedia elements, such as images, videos, and infographics.
8. Discussion Pages: Each article has a corresponding “talk” or “discussion” page where editors can discuss potential changes or issues with the content, fostering collaboration and consensus.

Multilingual and Global Reach:

• Wikipedia is available in over 300 languages, making it one of the largest multilingual resources on the internet. The English-language version alone contains millions of articles, but many other language versions also offer vast amounts of content.
• Since it’s a free platform, it is accessible worldwide, and articles can be edited by users from various backgrounds and locations, reflecting diverse global perspectives.

Purpose and Philosophy:

Wikipedia’s mission is to provide free, reliable, and accessible knowledge to everyone. It aims to create a comprehensive and open resource where people can learn about virtually any topic, with contributions coming from people all over the world. Wikipedia’s core philosophy is that knowledge should be freely available to anyone, regardless of their location or financial situation.

Since its creation, Wikipedia has revolutionized how we access and contribute to knowledge, providing a vast and ever-evolving resource for individuals, educators, students, researchers, and anyone interested in learning.