====== Wiki pages ======

A page is the core feature of a [[wp>wiki]]. All URLs in a wiki should lead to an editable page so that users can freely create/edit/delete the pages.

===== A basic page =====

A page like this one shows you the basic [[features]] of DokuWiki. The first [[wiki:syntax#Sectioning|header]] is considered as the [[config:useheading|title]] of the page. Basic features in [[DokuWiki]] include [[links]] and [[images]], but more advanced [[features]] are available and these can be extended still further via [[plugins]].

==== Section ====

The [[wiki:syntax#sectioning|headings]] in a page define sections. A section begins with a header and ends at the next header or at the end of the page.

The different sections of a page generate the [[toc|Table of contents]], which you should see at the top right of this page.  

Sections can be edited individually, see [[section_editing|Section Editing]]. 

==== Template ====

The layout of a page is defined not only by its [[wikitext]], but also by its template. This page uses the default template bundled with DokuWiki. More [[templates|templates can be found here]]. If none match your need, you also can [[devel:templates|develop a custom template]].

===== Page lifecycle =====

==== Create a page ====

In DokuWiki, pages are created as in every other wiki. Simply create a [[link#existing vs non-existing pages|link from an existing page to a non-existing page]], follow this link, and click on ''Create this page'' (on right menu in the default template). This is the most common and recommended way. It ensures all your pages are linked together correctly and you don't create [[backlink#orphans]] anywhere.

There's also a [[http://www.splitbrain.org/blog/2008-11/10-dokuwiki_beginners_screencast_02|screencast]] available explaining it in detail.

=== Alternatives ===

There are some alternative ways as well:

  * You may enter the name of a new page directly in the search field, and click the "Search" button and create the new page from the link in the description of the results page. The new page will be named after your query.
  * If you are the webmaster, you can create a ''.txt'' file inside the directory (namespace) wherein you want it to reside. The name of the file is the name of the page.
  * Of course you can also open a non-existing page by manually manipulating the URL in your Browser
  * There are also plugins to add a page:  See [[plugintag>create|plugins tagged with 'create']]

**NOTE:** Make sure you properly link your newly created page from other pages, when using one of the alternative methods. Otherwise no one may find your page. (Though these pages may still be found by the [[index]] feature or through the [[search]] engine.)

==== Edit a page ====

Editing a page is done by clicking the ''Edit this page'' button (on right menu in the default template) unless the page is [[#Create a page|created]].

The creation or editing of a page leads you to an [[edit window]] that enables you to enter [[wikitext]]. Editing a page consists in putting your text inside the edit area, and adding some markup to enhance its layout.

In order to help you in the editing process, a [[edit_window#preview]] feature enables you to look at the formatted page before saving it.

Once your page does match your criteria, you hit the ''save'' button in order to save it. The page is then rendered into HTML, which is the standard output. Note that you can [[export]] this page into different formats if you wish.

==== Delete a page ====

If you save an empty page, then DokuWiki will delete the page, and the associated [[pagename]]. Note that old revisions in the [[attic]] remain, this ensures accidentally removed pages can be restored easily.

===== Troubleshooting =====

  * Creating or editing a page requires you to have enough rights to do it. Please refer to [[ACL]] to find more about it.
  * The editing of a page can only be done by one person at a time. See [[locking]] if you encounter a ''Page Locked'' message.