(In support)

The CN branch has already ported the code for the interwiki box for the vast majority of our already existing themes. This largely involves just copying code from the theme itself directly related to the sidebar in order to apply it to the interwiki module. The "challenge" there is knowing exactly what code needs to be ported to the main theme to the Interwiki box, but it isn't all that difficult, especially for the theme creator who would be familiar with their own code.

All that to say: Yes, it is optional. We will not need to change every theme but we will be able to port the code from the CN branch (with their permission, of course.) This will not be difficult and will largely just require a bit of copy pasting.

If we do have to change every theme, I'm assuming that's a trivial task?

Full support.

Posted with permission of aismallard and stormbreath

The Problem:

The current interwiki sidebar does not function well with themes. Due to the nature of how it is essentially a separate website embedded within the sidebar, styling it is extremely limited. It is hardcoded to look identical to the Sigma-9 sidebar which is an issue for nearly all theme creators, especially if they decide to venture drastically from Sigma-9's style.

This lack of control over its visuals has caused some issues in the past, with theme authors previously trying to disable it, and continues to be a sore spot for many theme creators and authors.

However, the Interwiki box is very important! Our INT Branch partners are essential and making sure there is a way for readers to discover translated articles in their own languages is of the utmost importance.

The Solution:

We can replace the current interwiki box with a custom one made by 7happy7 (originally posted here) with further work from Sekai_s on the CN branch. Currently, it is used by Wanderers' Library and the CN branch and it works very well, allowing us to achieve a style-able Interwiki Box.

Here are some examples of themes, intentionally chosen for their extreme departure from Sigma-9, from the CN branch with the styling in action:

Most themes currently have to use filter or a hacked together use of pseudo elements and mix-blend-mode in an attempt style it. This Interwiki version allows direct styling of the module in order to exactly match the theme.

Implementation:

The steps needed to implement this are as follows:

1. Modify the current CSS Policy
   • • Replace:
       • You may style the translation module (.scpnet-interwiki-frame) using CSS3 Filters or similar, but you can't remove it outright (even if it conflicts horribly and you already tried using filters).
     • With:
       • You may style the translation module (.scpnet-interwiki-frame) using the Style iFrame, with CSS Filters, or other similar methods. However, you can't remove it outright. If you need help using the Style iFrame, please see our guide.
2. Upload the needed html files to nav:side, currently hosted on our Interwiki Fork
3. Place an iframe of the interwikiFrame.html on nav:side
4. Add the iframe (or 2 iframes, if it a BHL theme) of the styleFrame.html to theme pages that styles the interwiki box

Click the following to see a more technical explanation for what would be required.

[[div class="scpnet-interwiki-wrapper"]] [[module ListPages pagetype="*" range="." limit="1"]] [[embed]] <iframe src="https://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/nav%3Aside/interwikiFrame.html?%%category%%&pagename=%%fullname%%" class="html-block-iframe scpnet-interwiki-frame" name="interwikiFrame"></iframe> [[/embed]] [[/module]] [[/div]]

:root { --black-monochrome: 20, 22, 24; --pale-accent: 170, 0, 5; --bright-accent: var(--pale-accent); --swatch-text-tertiary-color: var(--swatch-menutxt-light-color); } ::-moz-selection { background: rgb(var(--swatch-primary-darkest)); } ::selection { background: rgb(var(--swatch-primary-darkest)); } .side-block { --sideblock-heading-border-color: var(--bright-accent); --sideblock-heading-text-color: var(--swatch-text-tertiary-color); --sidebar-border-color: var(--swatch-primary), 0.08; --sidebar-links-text: var(--swatch-text-tertiary-color); --sidebar-links-hover-bg-color: var(--bright-accent); --sidebar-links-hover-text-color: var(--swatch-text-tertiary-color); } #side-bar .scpnet-interwiki-wrapper:not(:lang(cn)):before, #side-bar .scpnet-interwiki-wrapper:not(:lang(cn)) p:after, #side-bar .scpnet-interwiki-wrapper:not(:lang(cn)) p:before { display: none } iframe.scpnet-interwiki-frame { border: inherit; }

[[div_ style="display: none"]] [[embed]] <iframe src="http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/local--files/component%3Atheme/styleFrame.html?base=bhl" name="typeFrame"></iframe> [[/embed]] [[/div]]

Potential Issues:

Truthfully, very few. At no point will this disturb the current functionality of the Interwiki module.

The primary issue is making sure theme makers are educated on how to properly use this new version. It will work without styling, displaying the default current style of the interwiki box if no input is given. However, if theme authors wish to port their theme styling to the interwiki, they will need to make a [[code]] block on their theme and then encode the @import using the iframe on their page. (See the Technical Explanation Info above for more details.)

If this passes:

We will begin the process of implementing the new interwiki, create a short guide for theme authors as to proper usage on their themes, and port the existing theme styling from the CN branch over to the EN branch.

Edit: Small edit to the technical section as we decided on a slightly different implementation. It doesn't really change much but will make adaption for our INT branches much easier.

This discussion is open to all staff.

Many thanks to the entire Tech Staff for all the help and input!