This is a summary of recent technology and site configuration changes that affect the English Wikipedia. This past week, developers updated the live code on Wikimedia sites to 1.15alpha r48811 (see change log), which means that a number of bug fixes and new features previously mentioned are now live.
Please note that some bug fixes or new features described below have not yet gone live as of press time; the English Wikipedia is currently running version 1.43.0-wmf.15 (b30ac00), and changes to the software with a version number higher than that will not yet be active. Configuration changes and changes to interface messages, however, become active immediately.
Bug fixes
When exporting pages via Special:Export, where pages have an underscore and the "Include templates" option is checked, two copies of the page get exported. This bug has been fixed. (r48938, bug 17374)
New features
Preference-based date auto-formatting of dates is now available for unlinked dates, with the {{#formatdate}} parser function. For example, {{#formatdate:March 30, 2009|ymd}} displays as 2009, March 30 for logged-out users, following the format specified. If you are logged-in and have set date preferences, the date will display according to your preferences. (r48249, bug 4582)
A new system message (talkpageheader) has been added that can be used to display header text when viewing talk pages. (r48930, bug 17163)
The ability to set user rights via the API has been added. (r48970, bug 15935)
The Wikimedia Foundation has hired a new systems administrator, Fred Vassard, who will help with server operations and monitoring. [2]
There is a job opening at the Wikimedia Foundation, for a software developer to work on the Wikimedia Usability Initiative. The Foundation is considering both candidates that can work at the San Francisco offices, as well as those who can work remotely. [3]
The student application period for the Google Summer of Code program closes on April 3. As well, there is a need for mentors who can answer questions from the students and monitor their progress. Mentors also need to formally apply on the GSOC site. [4][5][6]
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