Initially, the Wikidata data-object* link was added to the toolbox section of pages of the different Wikimedia projects. Later, theIn Other Projects sidebar was created to store links to all Wikimedia projects utilisingWikidata's sitelinks, but it didn't include the Wikidata data object to avoid duplication. As this sidebar wasn't enabled everywhere, the link was kept in the toolbox.
Now that the "In Other Projects" sidebar is enabled across all Wikimedia projects, the Wikidata data object link can be moved there.
* data object is the multilingual technical name referring to the 'Wikidata Item' sitelink, as this term changes depending on language setting.
Users may expect to see a Wikidata item link in theIn Other Projects section of the toolbar, as this is where links to corresponding pages are kept for the Wikimedia sibling projects. Instead the link is kept under theGeneral section.
When a page is connected to a Wikidata item, the link to the Wikidata Item is displayed under theIn Other Projects sidebar menu section.Moving the Wikidata Item link to theIn Other Projects may increase the discoverability and navigability.
| Previous Wikidata item location | Current Wikidata item location |
|---|---|
 |  |
Please tell us what you think. It is important that this change does not interrupt user workflows, is intuitive and works well for navigating from the page to the associated Wikidata item. To make sure of that, we need your feedback:
Below is a timeline of the progress of this task:
1.0
Defining tracking criteria
1.1 Add changes to test environment
1.2 Add changes for listening triggers to Wikidata Deployment train
1.43.0-wmf20 and are awaitingdeployment to the live Wiki projects.1.3 Setup the Superset dashboard
1.4 Recruit pilot wikis to test the new sidebar layout
1.5 Schedule changes to Deployment Train
Pending approval of pilot wikis, the code slice will be be made for the train deployment. Train adds (inactive) code changes to pilot wikis: Approximately 16:00 CEST (UTC+2), 29.08.2024 - Activate code segment viamw-config (changes to UI will take effect after this point).1.6 Observation period and stress-testing
For a period of time (min. 1 week), we will collect usage data of the newWikidata item data object location (seeTrack data object usage) Global announcement: during this period, we will inform all Wiki communities and projects of the upcoming change. A dedicatedFeedback page has been created to receive editor's opinions on this change. Bug-fixing: A patch to create an exception for the mobile skin:MinervaNeue to ensure theWikidata item remains as is (as the skin does not contain anIn Other Projects section. Sub-Ticket: Centralise move Wikidata item code into WikibaseT376389 We received a request to move the logic of the above bug fix into Wikibase to proof against future changes of the Minerva Sidebar.1.7 Pass / Fail decision
1.8 Global deployment
mw-config. This change was scheduled for 15:00 UTC-2, 04 October, 2024 but has been delayed due to a dependency in a follow-up ticket (see 1.6).mw-config. This change is scheduled for 15:00 UTC-2, 22 October, 2024.In some rare cases, the change may require an additional nudge. If yourWikidata item link after04.10.2024' is not underIn Other Projects, please try the following:
If none of these options work, please report your issue to ushere.
As mentioned below, some Wikis already move the location of the Wikidata item using bespoke code. If your Wiki would prefer to keep the Wikidata item where it currently is (or to move it elsewhere in the Tools menu), this can be done by adding custom code to move the Wikidata item back to its original location.
No doubt you have noticed that the entries in theIn Other Projects menu-section are only the sibling project’s name (Wikisource, Wikibooks, Wikivoyage etc.).
We do not currently have plans to rename theWikidata item, our first priority is to move the link successfully. At a later stage, we will explore the utility and benefit of renaming theWikidata item andWikidata links but only in consultation with UX and the Wiki communities.
We are implementing a new feature in the MediaWiki code that will replicate the functionality currently being handled by additional code, such as gadgets and user-scripts. While our update shouldn't disrupt those existing gadgets or scripts, it may make them unnecessary, as the new feature will provide the same functionality natively within MediaWiki.Please be vigilant! Although we have taken every care to ensure we do not introduce any bugs or errors, things happen, and we ask you to please report any bugshere.
Yes, it has. In 2019, the Wikidata development team tried to resolve Phabricator task:T66315 but unfortunately, the changes had to be rolled back shortly before deployment due to unforeseen technical issues that came from deleting the link fromGeneral and re-building it in theIn Other Projectsmenu section.
The task languished in a state of limbo until February 2024 when the establishment of Wikimedia Deutschland's new software development teamWikidata For Wikimedia Projects adopted it.
Our approach is to move the link and the function underlying it and so the issues that arose previously should not happen again.
This task represents a chance for new software engineers to onboard to MediaWiki and finally provide a solution to this 10-year old ticket.
The skin serving mobile traffic of the Wikimedia projects is calledMinervaNeue and represents a much more streamlined UI. Notably, this means it does not have an "In Other Projects" menu section.
An exception to keep theWikidata item link in theMinervaNeue skin unaffected in its placement has been included in the code slice.