Help:Bots
<languages /> Template:PD Help Page
<translate> A bot is a computer program that automatically retrieves or updates wiki pages when it is executed.</translate> <translate> In general, bots are used for repetitive maintenance tasks, whose volume and characteristics are too large to be performed manually by users.</translate>
<translate> Developing and executing bots is normally outside the role of normal users, requires programming experience and must be done in coordination with the wiki's [[<tvar name=1>Special:MyLanguage/Help:Sysops and permissions</tvar>|admins]].
By default, bot edits are hidden in <tvar name=1>Special:RecentChanges</tvar>.
Framework and interface for bot development
</translate> <translate> Bots do not access the wiki through the normal graphical user interface.</translate> <translate> MediaWiki has an API (Application Programming Interface) available for this purpose.</translate> <translate> An API is a protocol for standardized communication between two computer programs.</translate> <translate> Check <tvar name=1>API:Client code</tvar> for more information.</translate>
<translate> Follow <tvar name=1>Manual:Creating a bot</tvar> for guidelines how to create a bot.
To access a wiki through the API a bot must have a user account which has been granted 'bot' [[<tvar name=1>Special:MyLanguage/Help:User rights and groups</tvar>|permissions]].
Extension alternatives
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- Extension:MassEditRegex — <translate> provides an alternative way to perform mass edits using regular expressions, through a special page in the wiki.</translate> <translate> Only admins can normally use this extension.</translate>
- Extension:Replace Text — <translate> another option.</translate>
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See also
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[[Category:Help{{#translation:}}|Bots]]
