View source for Help:DiscussionTools

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{{PD Help Page}}
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<!--T:8-->
This is the help page for Wikipedia editors and other end users who are using <tvar name=1>{{ll|Extension:DiscussionTools|nsp=0}}</tvar>.

<!--T:125-->
DiscussionTools is the default talk page system provided with <tvar name="2">{{ll|MediaWiki}}</tvar>. It is the default discussion system at all Wikimedia wikis. It is available on the desktop and mobile web site, but not in [[<tvar name="1">Wikimedia Apps</tvar>|Wikimedia Apps]]. 
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__TOC__

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== Reply tool == <!--T:7-->

<!--T:9-->
Links are added after each comment for posting quick replies to existing discussions.

=== Getting started === <!--T:2-->
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[[File:Reply tool version 2b screenshot.png|500px|thumb|<translate><!--T:10--> Screenshot of the visual mode</translate>]]
# <translate><!--T:11--> At the end of each signed message, there will be a <tvar name=1><span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive mw-ui-quiet">{{int|discussiontools-replybutton}}</span></tvar> link.</translate> <translate><!--T:12--> Click that link to reply to the message.</translate>
# <translate><!--T:13--> A box will open.</translate> <translate><!--T:14--> Your message will be placed where the box is located.</translate>
# <translate><!--T:15--> Type your reply in the box.</translate> <translate><!--T:16--> Your signature and the date will be added to your reply automatically.</translate>
# <translate><!--T:17--> When you are ready to post your reply, click the <tvar name=1><span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive">{{int|discussiontools-replywidget-reply}}</span></tvar> button.</translate>

{{anchor|Reply tool features}}
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=== Features === <!--T:3-->
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* <translate><!--T:18--> You can switch between visual and wikitext source editing modes.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:19--> In the wikitext source mode, a live preview shows what your message will look like while you are typing it.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:20--> In both the source and visual modes, you can use [[<tvar name=1>Special:MyLanguage/VisualEditor/Portal/Keyboard shortcuts</tvar>|keyboard shortcuts]] to make links, to @-mention the person you're replying to, and to add character formatting.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:86--> If someone else posts a comment in the same section while you are typing your own comment, it [[<tvar name=1>:File:DiscussionTools Show new comment 2022 en.png</tvar>|will alert you]].</translate> <translate><!--T:87--> Click <tvar name=1><span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive mw-ui-quiet">{{int|Discussiontools-replywidget-newcomments-button|1}}</span></tvar> to see the new comment.</translate> <translate><!--T:88--> If you have already typed part of your comment, it will try to keep your comment.</translate> <translate><!--T:89--> Restoring your comment is sometimes slow on large pages.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:104--> Replying can be disabled on individual pages and sections as described at <tvar name=1>{{ll|Help:DiscussionTools/Magic words and markup}}</tvar>.</translate>

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=== Limitations === <!--T:6-->
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* <translate><!--T:21--> As of <tvar name=2>2022</tvar>, this tool does not work with multi-line templates or wikitext codes that must be placed at the start of a line (e.g., [[<tvar name=1>Special:MyLanguage/Help:Tables</tvar>|wikitext table syntax]]).</translate> <translate><!--T:22--> You will not be able to switch to visual mode if your comment contains this syntax.</translate> <translate><!--T:23--> See [[<tvar name=1>Special:MyLanguage/Help:DiscussionTools/Reply tool visual mode limitations</tvar>|''reply tool visual mode limitations'']].</translate>
* <translate><!--T:24--> The tool will only show on:</translate>
** <translate><!--T:25--> Pages in talk namespaces</translate>
** <translate><!--T:26--> Pages in namespaces which have been configured to show the 'add signature' tool (<tvar name=1>{{phpi|$wgExtraSignatureNamespaces}}</tvar>).</translate> <translate><!--T:27--> For most Wikimedia wikis this is the ''project'' and ''help'' namespaces.</translate>
** <translate><!--T:28--> Pages which have manually added the <tvar name=3>{{int|vector-action-addsection}}</tvar> button using <tvar name=1><code><nowiki>__NEWSECTIONLINK__</nowiki></code></tvar></translate>
* <translate><!--T:29--> The reply tool is visible when it detects a link to a user account and a timestamp on the same line.</translate> <translate><!--T:30--> Some custom signatures will not be detected.</translate> <translate><!--T:31--> See [[<tvar name=1>Special:MyLanguage/Help:DiscussionTools/Why can't I reply to this comment?</tvar>|''Why can't I reply to this comment?'']].</translate>

{{-}}

{{anchor|New discussion tool}}
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== New topic tool == <!--T:32-->
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<translate><!--T:85--> The new topic tool starts a new discussion topic on the page.</translate>
<translate><!--T:45--> The features and limitations are very similar to the [[<tvar name=1>#Reply tool features</tvar>|features and limitations of the reply tool]].</translate>
<translate><!--T:46--> Complex formatting, such as tables, is allowed.</translate>

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=== Starting a new topic === <!--T:5-->
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[[File:DiscussionTools New Discussion visual advanced 2021.png|thumb|500px|<translate><!--T:60--> Screenshot of new topic tool</translate>]]
# <translate><!--T:33--> At the top of the page, click the "<tvar name=1>{{int|vector-action-addsection}}</tvar>" tab.</translate>
# <translate><!--T:34--> A box will open at the end of the page.</translate> <translate><!--T:35--> Your message will be placed where the box is located.</translate>
# <translate><!--T:36--> Type a subject heading in the box, where it says "<tvar name=1>{{int|discussiontools-newtopic-placeholder-title}}</tvar>".</translate> <translate><!--T:37--> A subject heading is required.</translate>
# <translate><!--T:38--> Type your message in the big box.</translate> <translate><!--T:39--> Your signature and the date will be added to the end of your message automatically.</translate>
# <translate><!--T:40--> When you are ready to post your message, click the <tvar name=1><span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive">{{int|discussiontools-replywidget-newtopic}}</span></tvar> button.</translate>

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=== Preloading message content === <!--T:92-->
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<translate><!--T:93--> Since March 2023, the new topic tool includes support for preloading the talk page message, similar to {{<tvar name="1">ll|Manual:Creating pages with preloaded text</tvar>|native MediaWiki preloading}}.</translate>
<translate><!--T:95--> Support of this feature was introduced as part of <tvar name=1>[[phab:T269310|T269310]]</tvar>.</translate>

<translate><!--T:96--> To enable the preloading, it is necessary to provide the <tvar name="1"><code>dtpreload=1</code></tvar> parameter (or <tvar name=2><code>usedt=1</code></tvar> in <tvar name=3>{{ll|Extension:InputBox|InputBox}}</tvar>).</translate>
<translate><!--T:97--> If the enabling parameter is provided, the following preloading URL parameters are recognized:</translate>

* <code>preloadtitle</code> - <translate><!--T:98--> if provided, the value is used as the talk page message's subject</translate>
* <code>preload</code> - <translate><!--T:99--> if provided, the page specified in the value is used to preload the talk page message content</translate>
* <code>preloadparams[]</code> - <translate><!--T:100--> if provided, the value is used to replace parameters in the preloading template; each parameter is specified as <tvar name="1"><code><nowiki>$1</nowiki></code>, <code><nowiki>$2</nowiki></code>, <code><nowiki>$3</nowiki></code></tvar>.</translate> <translate><!--T:101--> This parameter can be provided multiple times.</translate>
* <code>editintro</code> - <translate><!--T:137--> if provided, a templated message to display at the top of the new topic tool.</translate>

{{-}}
{{anchor|subscribe}}

== <translate><!--T:47--> Topic subscriptions</translate> ==
[[File:DiscussionTools topic subscription September 2022 en.png|alt=<translate><!--T:48--> A screenshot showing the location of the button, at the end of the section heading</translate>|thumb|<translate><!--T:49--> Click the <tvar name=button>{{int|discussiontools-topicsubscription-button-subscribe}}</tvar> button at the top of the section.</translate>|500px]]

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The [[<tvar name=notifications>Talk pages project/Notifications</tvar>|topic subscriptions feature]] adds a link to <tvar name=button>{{int|discussiontools-topicsubscription-button-subscribe-label}}</tvar> at the end of the discussion section headings.  Click the <tvar name=button>{{int|discussiontools-topicsubscription-button-subscribe-label}}</tvar> link to receive [[<tvar name=1>Special:MyLanguage/Notifications</tvar>|notifications]] if and when new comments are added to that section in the future.
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[[File:Screenshot of topic subscription prototype.png|alt=<translate><!--T:52--> A screenshot showing the notifications someone will see when new comments are posted in a talk page section they have subscribed to.</translate>|thumb|400px|<translate><!--T:53--> Notifications for new comments posted in a talk page section someone has subscribed to.</translate>]]

<translate><!--T:70--> You can enable automatic topic subscriptions in <tvar name="1">[[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-editing-discussion|{{int|preferences}} → {{int|prefs-discussion}}]]</tvar>.</translate> <translate><!--T:73--> Only edits made with the [[<tvar name=1>#Reply tool</tvar>|reply]] and [[<tvar name=2>#New discussion tool</tvar>|new topic tools]] will cause you to be automatically subscribed.</translate>

<translate><!--T:51--> After you have subscribed to this section, there will be an <tvar name=button>{{int|discussiontools-topicsubscription-button-unsubscribe-label}}</tvar> link.</translate>
<translate><!--T:134--> Click that to stop receiving notifications about new comments in that section.</translate>

<translate><!--T:74--> You can see a list of your subscriptions at <tvar name="1">[[Special:TopicSubscriptions]]</tvar>.</translate>
<translate><!--T:76--> You can unsubscribe from topics on that page, too.</translate>

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=== Notes === <!--T:54-->
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* <translate><!--T:55--> Notifications are based on the first comment and its timestamp.  Changes to the section heading do not affect the subscription.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:56--> You can only subscribe to a ==Level 2 section==.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:57--> You will receive notifications about new comments regardless of the editing interface used to post them.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:59--> Subscriptions will remain intact even when conversations are moved to other pages or the section heading changes.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:75--> You can read technical information at <tvar name="how-it-works">[[Extension:DiscussionTools/How it works#Notifications]]</tvar>.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:132--> Subscribing to a thread that was initiated by a <tvar name="1">[[Massmessage]]</tvar> distribution will subscribe you to all threads created at the same time.</translate><ref>{{phabricator|T334906}}</ref>

{{clear}}
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== Page subscriptions == <!--T:127-->
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[[File:Subscribe-Vector2022.png|thumb|<translate><!--T:128--> Location of page subscription link in <tvar name="1">{{ll|Skin:Vector 2022}}</tvar>, when the "<tvar name="2">{{int|vector-page-tools-label}}</tvar>" menu is pinned.</translate>]]

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You can subscribe to a whole talk page and be [[<tvar name="1">Special:MyLanguage/Help:Notifications</tvar>|notified]] of new topics.

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This "<tvar name="1">{{int|discussiontools-topicsubscription-button-subscribe-label}}</tvar>" link is present in the "<tvar name="2">{{int|vector-page-tools-label}}</tvar>" menu. Depending on your configuration, this menu can be either collapsed under the "<tvar name="3">{{int|toolbox}}</tvar>" menu or visible.

<!--T:130-->
When you click on it, the <tvar name=1>{{int|discussiontools-topicsubscription-button-subscribe-label}}</tvar> link becomes an <tvar name=2>{{int|discussiontools-topicsubscription-button-unsubscribe-label}}</tvar>
link. 
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<translate><!--T:131--> This is different from [[<tvar name="1">Help:Watchlist</tvar>|watching the page]]. Watching the page will highlight all edits made on the talk page: new topics, comments, edits...</translate>
<translate><!--T:103--> If you subscribe to the talk page, you will only be notified about new discussion topics.</translate>

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== Information and appearance == <!--T:66-->
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[[{{LM|DiscussionTools Usability Topic Container screenshot annotated September 2022|png}}|400px|thumb|<translate><!--T:78--> The changes to the top of each discussion topic</translate>|alt=<translate><!--T:90--> Screenshot with arrows pointing to new and changed information</translate>]]

<translate><!--T:67--> Discussion pages will show additional information about each section.</translate>
<translate><!--T:135--> Discussion pages will not look the same as article pages, to help newcomers recognize them as places for talking to other users.</translate>

<translate><!--T:79--> This feature adds new information about:</translate>

* <translate><!--T:80--> the number of users and the number of comments in each topic and how old the most recent comment is – at the top of each ==section heading==</translate>
* <translate><!--T:81--> the most recent comment on the page – at the top of the page</translate>
* <translate><!--T:82--> the number of comments in each thread – in the Table of Contents ([[Vector 2022]] skin only)</translate>

<translate><!--T:83--> This feature also changes the appearance of the talk pages, particularly for ==Level 2== section headings.</translate>

<translate><!--T:69--> You can turn off this feature in <tvar name="1">[[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-editing-discussion]]</tvar>.</translate>
<translate><!--T:84--> Look for "<tvar name=1>{{int|discussiontools-preference-visualenhancements}}</tvar>".</translate>

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== Talk pages permalinking == <!--T:105-->
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<translate><!--T:106--> Each comment receives a permalink.</translate>
<translate><!--T:107--> This link keeps track of the comment, even if moved elsewhere.</translate>
<translate><!--T:138--> This feature was enabled on most Wikimedia wikis on January 29, 2024, and on English Wikipedia on June 27.</translate><ref>[[phab:T302011|T302011]]</ref>

<translate><!--T:108--> The link to a comment is available from its timestamp, in the signature.</translate>
<translate><!--T:109--> Clicking (or tapping on mobile) on the link copies the permalink to your clipboard.</translate>

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If a comment has been moved from the linked-to page, a message is shown to the user, with a link to the new location.

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The comment accessed using this link will be highlighted by a colored background.

=== Permalinks formats === <!--T:111-->

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The URL fragment is now a unique identifier, stored [[<tvar name="1">Extension:DiscussionTools/How it works#Discussion item database</tvar>|in a database]]. The page the comment is currently on doesn’t matter anymore. It applies to either new topics or any responses.

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Each new comment is identified using the author of the new message and its timestamp, and also the user and timestamp of the comment being replied to. The most common format is: <tvar name="1"><code>#c-&lt;username1>-&lt;timestamp1>-&lt;username2>-&lt;timestamp2></code></tvar>

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New topics are identified by their author, timestamp, and the new topic title: <tvar name="1"><code>#c-&lt;username>-&lt;timestamp>-&lt;topic title></code></tvar>
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<translate><!--T:115--> In addition, most recent existing section links to topics in the format <tvar name="1"><code>#&lt;topic title></code></tvar> will also trigger this message if the topic was moved and can be found elsewhere.</translate><ref>
<translate><!--T:126--> Older topics links, before August 2023, are not all indexed. This only applies to the topic links, comment permalinks will work for any comment.</translate>
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=== Troubleshooting === <!--T:116-->
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<translate><!--T:121--> Each comment with a proper signature is taken into account.</translate>
<translate><!--T:122--> A proper signature is a signature with a link to a user page, or user talk page, or user contributions, and a timestamp formatted according to the wiki's language. Custom timestamps might not be detected.</translate>

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<!--T:123-->
All comments matching the signature requirements are taken into account for a permalink, no matter their age; this change is retroactive on older comments.

<!--T:117-->
Changing the username in the signature, or the timestamp of an already posted message, will corrupt the permalink. 

<!--T:118-->
If a comment is deleted, it can be traced back. The last old revision where the comment appeared will be shown. This is available on <tvar name="1"><code>Special:FindComment</code></tvar>.

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Talk pages permalinks won't work in any page that transcludes sections under <tvar name="1"><code><nowiki><h1></nowiki></code></tvar> headings.

== Mobile == <!--T:61-->
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[[File:DiscussionTools Mobile Usability 2022-09 ht.png|thumb|alt=screenshot of discussion on a user's talk page]]

<translate><!--T:62--> All of the above features are also available on the [[<tvar name="1">Extension:MobileFrontend</tvar>|mobile web site]].</translate>
<translate><!--T:91--> Their design is adapted to fit in with the design of the mobile skin and the mobile editor.</translate>

<translate><!--T:65--> The reply tool's comment box shows vertical placement of your comment.</translate>
<translate><!--T:136--> It does not show horizontal placement ("indentation"), to provide more space for editing on narrow mobile screens.</translate>

{{clear}}
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== Notes == <!--T:124-->
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<references/>

[[Category:Extension help{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:Talk pages project{{#translation:}}]]