Online Encyclopedia

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1. REDIRECT Online Encyclopedia

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Alternatively, assuming the user wants a full article, here's a comprehensive MediaWiki article titled "Online Encyclopedia":

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1. *Online Encyclopedia*

An online encyclopedia is a comprehensive compendium of information available on the internet. Unlike traditional print encyclopedias, online encyclopedias can be easily updated, searched, and accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. They cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, technology, culture, and more.== History== The concept of an encyclopedia dates back to ancient times, with works like Pliny the Elder's *Natural History*. However, the digital transformation of encyclopedic knowledge began in the late 20th century.=== Early Developments=== The first online encyclopedias emerged in the 1990s with the advent of the World Wide Web. These early digital versions aimed to replicate the structure and content of their print counterparts but offered enhanced accessibility.=== Wikipedia Era=== In 2001, Wikipedia was launched by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. As a free, web-based, collaborative encyclopedia, it revolutionized the way information is created and shared online. Wikipedia's open-edit model allowed users worldwide to contribute, leading to rapid growth and widespread adoption.== Types== Online encyclopedias can be broadly categorized into:

• General Encyclopedias: Cover a wide array of topics. Example: Wikipedia.
• Specialized Encyclopedias: Focus on specific fields such as medicine, law, or technology. Example: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
• Collaborative Encyclopedias: Allow user-generated content and editing. Example: Wikia.
• Commercial Encyclopedias: Offer content through paid subscriptions or services. Example: Britannica Online.== Features==

Online encyclopedias typically offer:

• Search Functionality: Allows users to find information quickly.
• Hyperlinking: Connects related articles and topics.
• Multimedia Content: Incorporates images, videos, and audio clips.
• Regular Updates: Ensures information remains current.
• User Contributions: Enables community participation in content creation and editing.== Advantages and Disadvantages===== Advantages===
• Accessibility: Available to anyone with internet access.
• Up-to-Date Information: Updated more frequently than print editions.
• Searchability: Easy to find specific information.
• Cost-Effective: Many are free to use.=== Disadvantages===
• Reliability: Varies depending on the source; user-generated content may lack accuracy.
• Quality Control: Inconsistent editorial standards.
• Digital Divide: Limited access for those without internet connectivity.== Notable Examples==
• Wikipedia: The largest and most popular free encyclopedia with millions of articles in multiple languages.
• Encyclopædia Britannica Online: A commercial encyclopedia known for its authoritative content.
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: A dynamic reference work maintained by experts in the field.
• Wiktionary: A collaborative project to produce a free-content multilingual dictionary.
• Scholarpedia: A peer-reviewed open-access encyclopedia written by scholars.== Impact==

Online encyclopedias have transformed how knowledge is disseminated and consumed. They have democratized access to information, facilitated collaborative knowledge creation, and challenged traditional publishing models. However, concerns about accuracy, bias, and the digital divide continue to shape their evolution.== See Also==

• Encyclopedia
• Online Knowledge Base
• Digital Library
• Open Content
• Collaborative Editing== References==

== External Links==

• Wikipedia – A free online encyclopedia with millions of articles.
• Britannica Online – The digital version of Encyclopædia Britannica.
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – A dynamic reference work maintained by experts.

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