Wiki refers to the collection of web pages that users can edit with ease. Its content and structure are designed in a way so that users can modify it easily with a simple markup language.
A Wiki is powered by an engine or software that makes the creation and modification of web pages easy. We all have heard of Wikis like Wikipedia. Be it our favorite football player, singer, or actor, we rely on Wikipedia to get authentic information about people, places, and much more.
If you want to create an informative and knowledgeable website like Wikipedia, you should consider self-hosted wikis.
Here in this post, we have listed some of the best self-hosted Wiki solutions that you can use to create a wiki. However, before moving to the list of most popular self-hosted wiki solutions, let us first get familiar with the key benefits of wiki solutions.
Benefits Of Wiki Solutions
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Searchable Content
Individuals can quickly access archived content using the wiki software. Moreover, a wiki software comes with a built-in search engine, so even if you stuff a tonne of information into it, readers won't have any difficulty finding what they need.
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Effective Collaboration
Wiki encourages collaboration by allowing multiple individuals to participate, share their expertise, and enhance the overall quality of the information. Non-wiki solutions, on the other hand, do not provide you with this feature since only the person who posted the information or the editor can modify the content.
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Assured Quality
If the editor makes a mistake, other team members or community members may fix it right away. Thus, there are fewer chances for a mistake to be seen on the wiki site by the end-users. This helps to ensure the delivery of quality information.
Best Self-Hosted Wiki Solutions for Small To Enterprise
The following are the best self-hosted Wiki solutions that are suitable for small-scale businesses to large enterprises.
1. MediaWiki
MediaWiki is the best Wiki software used by thousands and lakhs of websites, companies, and organizations. This software helps you collect and organize knowledge and make it available to people. The best things about MediaWiki are that it is powerful, compatible with multiple languages, open, extensible, customizable, reliable, and free to use.
Also, it offers some of the best and unique features like message alerts, automatic signatures, discussion pages, etc. You can also customize your Wiki with templates and add more functionalities with the help of an extension.
Pros of MediaWiki
- MediaWiki allows you to work with multiple projects.
- It has a large online community that offers extensive support.
- It is compatible with Linux and Windows, and it uses PHP, MySQL, and MariaDB.
Cons of MediaWiki
- The interface might be difficult to navigate and is not recommended for beginners.
- You need to hire an expert if you face any technical issues.
- MediaWiki uses Markup language, which makes it difficult for non-programmers to use it. However, WYSIWYG is available as a third-party extension.
2. DokuWiki
DokuWiki is an open-source Wiki software developed by Andreas Gohr in 2004. The interface is similar to that of Wikipedia. So if you are familiar with Wikipedia, using DokuWiki can be very easy. This wiki software makes it easy to store information and manage it with the various people who contributed to the website.
In simple words, this software is an open repository created by different people who can edit the site. If you're searching for software that can be used as a private notebook, content management system, project workspace, corporate knowledge base, or software handbook, DokuWiki can be the ideal choice for you.
Pros of DokuWiki
- DokuWiki offers many plugins that allow you to extend its functionalities.
- It stores everything in text.
- It uses markdown language, making it very easy to use.
Cons of DokuWiki
- You need to use plugins to add audio and videos.
- It does not use a database , so it is only recommended for sites with heavy traffic.
3. Wiki.js
Wiki.js is one of the most potent and extensible open-source Wiki software designed for small and large enterprises. This software makes documentation easy and offers an intuitive interface. It is compatible with several databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MS SQL. Another advantage of this software is that you can keep your Wiki private, public, or both. Also, Wiki.js allows you to customize your wiki’s interface.
Pros of Wiki.js
- Offers native authentication across platforms (including social and enterprise authentication).
- It comes with a built-in search engine.
- Wiki.js also offers a search bar on every page.
- It has an intuitive asset management system.
Cons of Wiki.js
- It does not offer a WYSIWYG editor.
- This software is not ideal for enterprise wikis.
4. TiddlyWiki
TiddlyWiki is a unique, free, and open-source non-linear Wiki software. The main aim of this software is to capture, share, and organize complex information. Be it a novel or to-do list, TiddlyWiki allows you to record information and manage it effectively.
One unique feature of TiddlyWiki is that it allows you to add audio files. Moreover, it supports SVG, lazy loading, autosave, and permalinks. This software also offers encryption with the help of Stanford JavaScript Crypto Library.
Pros of TiddlyWiki
- TiddlyWiki is open-source and free to use.
- It is self-hosted and indefinitely accessible.
- TiddlyWiki is highly customizable.
- You can use the existing plugins or program your plugins.
Cons of TiddlyWiki
- Its user interface is not easy-to-navigate.
- TiddlyWiki only works with JavaScript.
- It relies mainly on browser performance.
5. XWiki
XWiki is a powerful open-source Wiki software that helps businesses save time and boost collaboration. It allows various teams/departments to stay updated with all the critical information. Unlike all the Wiki software mentioned in this list, XWiki provides a powerful WYSIWYG editor, and it makes data management quite easy. It also allows you to export PDF files much more easily.
This tool makes task planning, template management, and workflow management very easy. Moreover, you can manage audio files, calendars, collaboration tools, various content publishing options, etc.
Pros of XWiki
- XWiki is versatile and user-friendly.
- It offers extensive customer support.
- It helps to simplify workflows.
Cons of XWiki
- It does not provide email management.
- XWiki does not allow you to transfer files, live chat, or share screen.
6. BookStack
BookStack is another free and open-source documentation platform that offers an intuitive user interface. This software allows you to organize your content into chapters and sections. It also provides a WYSIWYG editor. Some of the business features include a full RBAC permission system.
This tool makes brand management and page modifications easy. It also provides various language options, an optional HTML editor, and a built-in authentication system.
Pros of BookStack
- It offers a simple and easy-to-navigate interface.
- BookStack is an open-source Wiki software that is available under an MIT license.
- It supports nine different languages.
- It offers advanced features like markdown editing, syntax highlighting, LDAP, and fast developer response.
Cons of BookStack
- BookStack only offers limited customization.
- It does not offer support for readable markup languages.
- It has a complicated installation process.
7. TikiWiki
TikiWiki is a feature-rich, web-based Wiki+CMS+Groupware, Free Source Software (GNU/LGPL). It was created using PHP, MySQL, Zend Framework, jQuery , and Smarty. It supports over 40+ languages and can be used to create various types of Web applications, sites, portals, knowledge bases, intranets, and extranets.
Some of the most remarkable features of this wiki software are as follows:
- It allows you to create various websites like discussion forums, blogs, and file and image galleries.
- Scans and tracks bugs and issues.
- Provides a links directory.
- Allows you to create polls/surveys and quizzes.
- It can manage banners, calendars, maps, mobile, RSS feeds, category systems, tags, spreadsheets, and slideshows.
- Provides live customer support.
- It can integrate with the open-source web conferencing BigBlueBlueButton.org for audio/video/chat/screen sharing and whiteboard support.
Pros of TikiWiki
- It allows you to create an RSS feed for your Wiki.
- You can create calendars for a group or a specific user.
- You can use the tracking systems for group projects.
Cons of TikiWiki
- The interface looks old and is not user-friendly.
- It is not recommended for people who want simple Wiki software.
Conclusion
Small, medium, or even large businesses may benefit from developing a knowledge base and collaborating on it. A wiki can come in handy for a business to make customers aware of their goods and services.
As a result, it is important to pick a wiki solution that best meets your needs. The self-hosted wiki solutions listed above are the best ones available out there.
You can check them out and choose one that seems to provide all the features that are useful for your business.
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