Wiki

What is a Wiki?

A wiki is a collaborative, web-based system that allows users to create, edit, and organize content collectively. Wikis are designed to be easily editable, making them ideal for knowledge management, documentation, and community-driven content creation.

Key Features of a Wiki

1. Collaborative Editing – Multiple users can contribute, modify, and improve content in real time.
2. Version Control – Changes are tracked, allowing users to revert to previous versions if needed.
3. Interlinking – Pages can be linked together to create an interconnected knowledge base.
4. Open or Restricted Access – Wikis can be public (open to everyone) or private (restricted to specific users).
5. Structured & Unstructured Content – While some wikis follow structured hierarchies, most allow for flexible content organization through categories and tags.

Examples of Wikis

• Wikipedia – The world’s largest open-source encyclopedia.
• Obsidian & Quartz – Used for personal knowledge management and digital gardens.
• Wiki.js 🌟 – My personal favorite wiki software, despite its limited maintenance
• MediaWiki, DokuWiki – Popular self-hosted wiki software for documentation.

Use Cases of Wikis

• Knowledge Management – Companies and communities use wikis to document processes and share knowledge.
• Open Collaboration – Wikis facilitate teamwork and content co-creation.
• Personal Knowledge Bases – Individuals use private wikis for research, notes, and digital gardening.

Digital Gardens and Wikis

Evolving Knowledge Platforms

Wikis share many philosophical similarities with Digital Gardens, both focusing on:

• Collaborative knowledge creation
• Non-linear information organization
• Continuous content evolution

Modern Knowledge Management

The concept of Digital Gardens builds upon wiki principles, offering a more personal, reflective approach to knowledge sharing. Explore our comprehensive guide to digital gardens to understand this innovative knowledge management approach.

Why Use a Wiki?

A wiki is an excellent tool for structuring information, sharing knowledge, and collaborating efficiently in both personal and professional environments.

Personal Toolkit Recommendation

🛠️ My Wiki and Documentation Strategy:

• Quartz for:

  • Personal digital gardens
  • Static knowledge bases
  • Documentation websites
  • Single-user content management

• Wiki.js for:

  • Multi-user collaborative environments
  • Complex team documentation
  • Sophisticated access control
  • Real-time collaborative editing

Choosing the right tool depends on your specific collaboration and publishing needs.