Mngr: Created page with "= ICT:Hooks/ClutterReduction = This page documents the custom MediaWiki hooks used in ''LocalSettings.php'' to reduce interface clutter for clubmembers. The goal is to present a calm, application‑like interface while preserving full functionality for sysops. These hooks are skin‑agnostic and work with Vector‑2022 or any other skin. ---- == 1. Sidebar Control (SkinBuildSidebar) == === Purpose === Clubmembers do not need the standard MediaWiki sidebar (Tools, S..."

2026-02-11T18:23:00Z

Created page with "= ICT:Hooks/ClutterReduction = This page documents the custom MediaWiki hooks used in ''LocalSettings.php'' to reduce interface clutter for clubmembers. The goal is to present a calm, application‑like interface while preserving full functionality for sysops. These hooks are skin‑agnostic and work with Vector‑2022 or any other skin. ---- == 1. Sidebar Control (SkinBuildSidebar) == === Purpose === Clubmembers do not need the standard MediaWiki sidebar (Tools, S..."

New page

= ICT:Hooks/ClutterReduction =
This page documents the custom MediaWiki hooks used in ''LocalSettings.php'' to reduce interface clutter for clubmembers.
The goal is to present a calm, application‑like interface while preserving full functionality for sysops.

These hooks are skin‑agnostic and work with Vector‑2022 or any other skin.

----

== 1. Sidebar Control (SkinBuildSidebar) ==

=== Purpose ===
Clubmembers do not need the standard MediaWiki sidebar (Tools, Special pages, Help, etc.).
This hook replaces the sidebar depending on the user’s role:

* **Anonymous users** → no sidebar
* **Clubmembers** → only a single “Dashboard” link
* **Sysops** → full sidebar (default behavior)

This prevents non‑technical users from wandering into system areas and keeps the UI focused on the archive.

=== Code ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="php">
$wgHooks['SkinBuildSidebar'][] = function ( $skin, &$bar ) {
$user = $skin->getUser();

# Anonymous: hide everything
if ( $user->isAnon() ) {
$bar = [];
return true;
}

# Clubmembers: show only Dashboard
if ( $user->isAllowed( 'edit' ) && !$user->isAllowed( 'editinterface' ) ) {
$bar = [
'navigation' => [
[
'text' => 'Dashboard',
'href' => '/wiki/Dashboard:Home'
]
]
];
return true;
}

# Sysops: full sidebar
return true;
};
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Why this hook exists ===
* The standard sidebar exposes too many technical links.
* Clubmembers only need one entry point into the archive.
* The hook is reversible and easy for successors to understand.
* No skin modifications or CSS hacks required.

----

== 2. Action Tabs Control (SkinTemplateNavigation::Universal) ==

=== Purpose ===
On system namespaces (Template, Module, MediaWiki, Category, Form, etc.), clubmembers should not see:

* Edit
* View source
* History
* Move
* Delete

These actions are confusing and potentially dangerous for non‑technical users.
Sysops retain full access.

=== Code ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="php">
$wgHooks['SkinTemplateNavigation::Universal'][] = function ( $skin, &$links ) {

$user = $skin->getUser();
if ( $user->isAllowed( 'editinterface' ) ) {
return true; # sysop sees everything
}

$title = $skin->getTitle();
if ( !$title ) return true;

$ns = $title->getNamespace();

# System namespaces to hide tabs for
$blocked = [
NS_MEDIAWIKI,
NS_TEMPLATE,
NS_MODULE,
NS_HELP,
NS_PROJECT,
NS_CATEGORY,
defined('PF_NS_FORM') ? PF_NS_FORM : null,
];

if ( in_array( $ns, $blocked, true ) ) {

# Remove edit/viewsource/history tabs
unset( $links['views']['edit'] );
unset( $links['views']['viewsource'] );
unset( $links['views']['history'] );

# Remove actions like move/delete
unset( $links['actions']['delete'] );
unset( $links['actions']['move'] );
}

return true;
};
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Why this hook exists ===
* Clubmembers should not modify system pages.
* Removing these tabs prevents accidental edits or confusion.
* Only system namespaces are affected — content pages remain editable.
* Keeps the interface calm and focused on the archive.

----

== 3. Design Philosophy ==

These hooks implement the long‑term UI principles for the archive:

=== Calm, application‑like interface ===
Clubmembers see only what they need — no clutter, no technical distractions.

=== Role‑based clarity ===
Sysops retain full control; clubmembers get a simplified experience.

=== Successor‑friendly ===
Hooks are documented, reversible, and do not modify core files or skins.

=== Skin‑agnostic ===
Works with Vector‑2022 today and any future skin if the system evolves.

----

''This page is part of the ICT documentation set for the archive infrastructure.''

ICT:Hooks ClutterReduction - Revision history