Description: Wikimedia Labs is a platform designed for developers to experiment and develop new tools for Wikimedia projects. This initiative allows programmers and collaborators from the Wikimedia community to access a development environment where they can create, test, and deploy applications and tools that enhance user experience in projects like Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, and others. The platform provides resources such as servers, databases, and technical documentation, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of ideas among developers. Additionally, Wikimedia Labs fosters innovation by allowing users to experiment with new technologies and approaches, thus contributing to the growth and evolution of Wikimedia projects. Its focus on open collaboration and access to development tools reflects Wikimedia’s core principles, which aim to democratize knowledge and promote active community participation in creating useful content and tools.
History: Wikimedia Labs was launched in 2013 as part of an effort to provide a space where developers could collaborate and experiment with new tools and technologies for Wikimedia projects. Over the years, it has evolved to include a variety of resources and services that support software development and innovation within the community. In 2015, it was integrated with other Wikimedia services, allowing for greater collaboration and easier access to development tools.
Uses: Wikimedia Labs is primarily used for developing tools and applications that enhance the functionality of Wikimedia projects. Developers can prototype new features, conduct software testing, and collaborate on open-source projects. It is also used for research and development of new technologies that can be applied in the management and presentation of online content.
Examples: An example of the use of Wikimedia Labs is the creation of tools like ‘WikiEditor’, which allows users to edit Wikipedia articles more intuitively. Another example is the ‘Wikidata Query Service’, which enables users to query structured data in Wikidata. These tools have been developed and improved through collaboration in Wikimedia Labs.
