User:Eyes/Sandbox wikis

FAQ

 * Sandbox wikis? Not just sandbox pages?
 * Because of my role here as a more technical admin, I often have to test configuration changes and MediaWiki extensions. This is best not done on the live site until, at a minimum, it can be determined such changes don't have catastrophic effects.  Also, I've started to develop MediaWiki extensions, and I'm definitely not going to be tested half-written extensions on the live site.  After all, who cares if I temporarily break my own sandboxes?


 * Okay, that explains one. Why two?
 * For MediaWiki upgrades. The intention is to keep one sandbox at the same version of the MediaWiki software, and, in general, with the same versions of any and all extensions.  The exception would be if I'm testing an extension upgrade.  The other sandbox is meant to be kept at the next version Curse is likely to upgrade us to, and that's mostly meant for testing to see how my own extensions cope with the code changes.


 * Where are they?
 * http://sto.aeongarden.com: the sandbox using the MediaWiki version used by the live wiki.
 * http://stoahead.aeongarden.com: the sandbox using the MediaWiki we're most likely to be upgraded to in the next update.


 * So, do you do all of your testing on your sandbox wikis?
 * No. If the project I'm working on doesn't require a configuration change, doesn't need an extension that isn't installed on the live wiki, or doesn't otherwise require server access, I'll be using my userspace here for any tests, like any other user.


 * Why test things in your userspace here when you have sandbox wikis?
 * A number of reasons:
 * The community is much more likely to see what I'm doing, which means it is more likely to offer input. That input can often improve my projects.
 * The content is already here, so there are fewer steps involved. I don't have to export pages and import them into the sandbox wikis.


 * How do I test things in my userspace?
 * You create subpages of your userpage. It's as simple as beginning your page title with , except of course, use your username.  Many users create a sandbox page, e.g., User:Eyes/Sandbox for relatively simple tests.


 * What if I need to test templates?
 * Templates don't have to be in the template namespace; any page can be used as a template. Just create a subpage like you do above, and use the template like this (assuming a template name of  :   .  You can also pass parameters, just as you would with any other template.


 * Can I get edit access to one of your sandbox wikis?
 * If you need to test something you can't do just as well in your userspace here, I will consider granting you access. Using either the email features of the wiki or in-game mail (to @oOeyes), describe what you need to test and why you believe you cannot do so in your userspace.  Provide an email address for the signup procedure and your requested username.


 * What about server access?
 * This is much more unlikely, but request it if you wish. If you just need an extension installed or a configuration change made, it is more likely I'll handle that myself if I approve.