CZ:Lemma article

A lemma article is an article created for a subject where there is a presumption that it is unlikely that a significant amount will be written about that subject in the near future, and thus the article consists simply of a definition which is transcluded on the main page for the article. The lemma article then can be the target of a wikilink, or appear in an R-template in a Related Articles page.

Because of this special purpose a definition for a lemma article may be longer than the usual recommended length of about 100 characters.

At any time, a lemma article may be converted to a regular article; at that point, part of a long definition usually will move to the main page.

How to create a lemma article

1. Create a definition subpage with a definition of the subject.
2. Create the main page with only the {{subpages}} template on it. (See remark below)
3. That is all. Simple, isn't it?
4. Lemma articles may have Related Articles subpage.

Remark: A lemma articles definition subpage is often created first, due to a prompt on a Related Articles subpage, when the lemma term is used in conjunction with the {{R}} template. From the Related Articles subpage, the lemma article can easily be created by clicking the red link that is displayed by the use of the {{R}} template. The red link will open an edit window for the new lemma article with the following preloaded text:

 {{subpages}}
 <!-- Text is transcluded from the BASEPAGENAME/Definition subpage-->

It is then sufficient to save without further additions to the page.

How to turn a lemma article into a full article

1. Add content to the main article page.
2. Create the metadata template.
   To do this either click the small link under the superscript after the the page title,
   or go to the talk page (click the red link "discussion"), and choose "New page created" from the choice offered.
3. Create the talk page.
4. Simplify (shorten) the definition if this is appropriate.

Good uses of the lemma article system

There are a variety of uses.

1. A place for a definition of a term of art, which will be used by many articles
2. In early development of a comprehensive Related Articles page, so the Related Articles context is clear without redlinks. For example, if the main subject is an organization, lemmas may be created for its board of directors, staff, etc., some of which will later turn into full articles. By having the extended definition, however, there is enough room for affiliations, which allows the discovery of social networks
3. An early definition of a key term by a non-expert
4. A component, etc., of a series of pieces of equipment, such as a standard connector, cable, or subassembly. By having any sort of page for what may be only a few sentences, there is still the power of linkage

One special case is — to borrow a term from software development — the creation of "Easter Eggs" for an Eduzendium project. Without creating articles that would do too much work for the student, it is possible to store information (e.g., mini-biographies of key people) that will show up in "links to" or when they fill in the Related Articles page of their article -- reminding them to search the literature before starting to write. In like manner, they can provide the instructor with a way of creating standard definitions of terms to be used in the course.

See also this extended explanation (in a forum thread) of the rationale behind lemma articles, as well as this thread on the clarification of usage patterns.

List of lemma articles

A full list can be found at Category:Lemma Article

For further reading

Sage advice on writing CZ articles.

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