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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Website

Wiki

A wiki is a type of website or web-based publishing system that lets users collaboratively create, edit, and organize pages through a web browser.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

A wiki is a website or web-based publishing system that lets users collaboratively create, edit, and organize pages through a web browser. It is commonly used for knowledge bases, documentation, and encyclopedias, with Wikipedia as the best-known example.

What it is

A wiki is a type of website that allows multiple users to create, edit, and link pages directly in a browser. It runs on wiki software (like MediaWiki) and stores revision history so changes can be reviewed or undone. The term comes from the Hawaiian word wiki, meaning 'fast' or 'quick,' reflecting the ease of editing.

How it works

Wikis use simplified markup or a visual editor to let users add and modify content without technical skills. Pages are interlinked, forming a web of information. Access can be public, private, or restricted. Revision history is a key feature, enabling collaboration and rollback of unwanted changes.

Why it matters

Wikis are widely used by Canadian schools, libraries, government teams, and businesses for collaborative documentation and knowledge sharing. Wikipedia, the most popular wiki, is a go-to reference worldwide. The model supports quick, decentralized content creation and maintenance.

In short

  • Wikis allow collaborative editing directly in a web browser.
  • Revision history lets you review and restore earlier versions.
  • Wikipedia is the best-known and most popular wiki.
  • The term 'wiki' comes from Hawaiian, meaning 'fast' or 'quick.'
Canadian angle

Wikis are widely used by Canadian schools, libraries, government teams, and businesses for collaborative documentation and knowledge sharing.

Quick questions

What is a wiki?
A wiki is a website or web-based system that allows users to collaboratively create, edit, and organize pages through a browser.
How does a wiki work?
A wiki works through wiki software that lets users edit pages directly online, usually with revision history and linking between pages.
What is the most popular wiki?
Wikipedia is the most widely recognized and commonly cited example of a wiki.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
    Supports: Basic definition of wiki as collaboratively edited web publication through a browser.
  2. Webopedia — https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/wiki/
    Supports: Wiki as a collaborative website, use of content management systems, and editing by multiple users.
  3. TechTarget — https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/wiki
    Supports: Definition, origin of the term, and Wikipedia as the best-known example.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/wiki
    Supports: Concise definition of wiki as a website modified or contributed to by users.
  5. National Center for Biotechnology Information — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK82279/
    Supports: Wikis as server-based online content management systems and Ward Cunningham quote.