The term wiki refers to type of server software that allows visitors to easily create and edit web page content. Using a series of simple formatting codes, visitors on wiki website can create their own content or add hyperlinks, headings, lists, tables, and images to existing pages. While HTML coding can be used to perform these functions as well, the wiki method of content management is less difficult to learn for users with minimal computer skills.

The wiki philosophy of “open editing” is a simple idea, but it has created a widespread change in patterns of Internet usage. Websites that use a wiki content management system promote collaborative communication and a commitment to the open exchange of ideas among a diverse group of visitors. Most wiki websites are non-profit, although some attempt to generate income through the use of affiliate links and Google AdSense advertising.

The first known wiki website, the Portland Pattern Repository, was created in 1995. Today, Wikipedia is perhaps the best known wiki on the Internet. Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia project written and edited by volunteers. The site has more than two million articles written in several different languages. It covers a diverse array of topics, including history, education, religion, politics, government, geography, travel, and popular culture. Wikipedia is a project of the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization that also runs the Wiktionary, Wikimedia Commons, Wikispecies, Wikiquote, Wikibooks, Wikisource, Wikinews, Wikiversity, and Meta-Wiki websites.

While Wikipedia is a phenomenally successful website, the wiki method of content creation does have disadvantages. Anyone can write and edit material on a wiki website, so the quality of the content is often questionable. Spelling errors, poor grammar, and factual inaccuracies are a common problem on many wiki websites. Some wiki websites have also had trouble with pranks, spam, vandalism, and unauthorized commercial content. Wiki websites that cover politics, religion, and other controversial topics often have issues with visitors submitting malicious content as well.

Because of the problems associated with the wiki method of website creation, it is wise to be cautious when using information obtained from Wikipedia and other similar wiki websites. Generally, it is not a good idea to use medical, financial, or historical information obtained from a wiki unless you can verify the content through another source. For this reason, many colleges and universities now have formal policies that prohibit students from citing wiki websites as source material for term papers and research projects.