Mediawiki offline content

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Mediawiki contents can be organised for offline reading, but this takes some work. The most practical solution is probably exporting and packaging to *.ZIM files and then using the Kiwix reader.

See also:

• EduTechWiki offline

The ZIM format[edit | edit source]

According to Wikipedia (12/2019), “The ZIM file format is an open file format that stores wiki content for offline usage.[1] Its primary focus is the contents of Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. The format allows for the compression of articles, features a full-text search index and native category and image handling similar to MediaWiki, and the entire file is easily indexable and readable using a program like Kiwix – unlike native Wikipedia XML database dumps. In addition to the open file format, the openZIM project provides support for an open-source ZIM reader called Kiwix. ZIM stands for "Zeno IMproved", as it replaces the earlier Zeno file format. Its file compression uses LZMA2, as implemented by the xz-utils library. The openZIM project is sponsored by Wikimedia CH, and supported by the Wikimedia Foundation.”

More information:

• ZIM Wiki

Creating an own ZIM file[edit | edit source]

This requires some installation and configuration work. (Investigating also the possibility to outsource this to the kiwi folks) Daniel K. Schneider (talk) 15:51, 11 December 2019 (CET)).

• https://wiki.openzim.org/wiki/Build_your_ZIM_file

Kiwix[edit | edit source]

Kiwix is the name of an offline reader that allows reading mediawiki contents on various devices that are offline. It also provides a local server solution.

Quote: "The Kiwix Reader allows you to access content packages in the ZIM format that are stored on your phone or computer. It is available for all major operating systems. It comes as a standalone application or as a browser plug-in. Simply choose below what suits you best."

• Downloads
• Download the Reader

Wikipedia and Gutenberg contents[edit | edit source]

A number of pre-packaged contents is available

• Content in all languages provides a list of various Wikipedia contents] (with or without images)

Edutechwiki[edit | edit source]

As of Spring 2020 we got a nice distribution of our two EduTechWikis

Read

• EduTechWiki offline and look at Zim, its entry page
• EduTechWiki hors ligne and look at Zim, its entry page (in french)

Links[edit | edit source]

• ZIM Wiki
• Kiwix

• Kiwix (Wikipedia)
• ZIM file format (Wikipedia)