# Encyc > free wiki encyclopedia **Wikidata**: [Q106171049](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106171049) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/encyc ## Summary Encyc is a free wiki encyclopedia accessible at the website encyc.org. It operates as an independent wiki platform and maintains a registered interwiki prefix within the Wikimedia ecosystem, facilitating cross-wiki linking from Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. The site serves as a knowledge base primarily in the English language. ## Key Facts - **Entity Type:** Website (Instance of: Website). - **Function:** Described as a "free wiki encyclopedia." - **Domain:** `https://encyc.org/` - **Interwiki Prefix:** Uses the prefix `encyc` for linking from Wikimedia projects. - **Interwiki History:** First registered with the Wikimedia interwiki map on December 14, 2009. - **Protocol Migration:** Transitioned its interwiki link format from HTTP to HTTPS on June 3, 2023. - **Social Media Presence:** Maintains a Twitter account (@encyc) active since October 31, 2019, and a subreddit (`r/encyc`) active since May 3, 2019. - **Language:** The website and associated social channels are primarily in English. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Encyc? A: Encyc is a free wiki encyclopedia hosted on the web domain encyc.org. It allows users to access and likely contribute to encyclopedia-style content in English. ### Q: Is Encyc related to Wikipedia? A: While Encyc is an independent website, it is integrated into the Wikimedia interwiki system. This means it holds a recognized "interwiki prefix" (`encyc`), allowing editors on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia wikis to create direct links to Encyc articles using the `[[encyc:ArticleName]]` syntax. ### Q: How long has Encyc been active? A: Encyc has maintained an active interwiki relationship with the Wikimedia ecosystem since December 14, 2009. Its official subreddit was established in May 2019, and its Twitter account was launched in October 2019. ## Why It Matters Encyc represents a distinct node in the broader network of wiki-based knowledge management. While Wikipedia dominates the landscape of free encyclopedias, Encyc serves as an alternative or complementary repository. Its significance is highlighted by its technical integration with the Wikimedia infrastructure; by holding a dedicated interwiki prefix, Encyc is formally recognized as a valid target for external links within Wikipedia and sister projects. This connectivity suggests a level of utility or relevance that necessitates easy cross-referencing for wiki editors. The platform's recent technical updates, specifically the shift to HTTPS in June 2023, indicate ongoing maintenance and a commitment to modern web security standards. By offering a free, English-language wiki platform, Encyc contributes to the diversification of open knowledge sources, potentially hosting content or editorial guidelines that differ from the strict notability requirements of larger encyclopedias. Its presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit further suggests an effort to cultivate a specific community around its knowledge base. ## Notable For - **Wikimedia Integration:** Possessing a dedicated interwiki prefix (`encyc`) recognized by the Wikimedia Foundation since 2009. - **Niche Focus:** Operating as a free wiki encyclopedia distinct from the Wikimedia Foundation's own projects. - **Longevity:** Maintaining an active interwiki status for over a decade (2009–present). - **Security Standards:** Upgrading its interwiki connectivity to secure HTTPS protocols in 2023. - **Community Channels:** Establishing dedicated spaces for discussion on Reddit and Twitter specifically for the English-speaking community. ## Body ### Definition and Purpose Encyc is a website defined as a "free wiki encyclopedia." It functions as an online knowledge base and is accessible via the domain `https://encyc.org/`. The site is categorized as an instance of a website and serves content primarily in the English language. ### Technical Specifications and Interwiki Connectivity Encyc is technically integrated into the Wikimedia movement through the Interwiki map. * **Prefix:** The designated interwiki prefix is `encyc`. * **Link Format:** The URL formatter for the prefix is `https://encyc.org/wiki/$1`. * **Historical Configuration:** * **2009 Start:** The interwiki prefix was first added to the Wikimedia configuration on December 14, 2009. At this time, the link protocol was HTTP (`http://encyc.org/wiki/$1`). * **2023 Update:** On June 3, 2023, the configuration was updated. The previous HTTP link was deprecated (end time), and the current HTTPS link was set as the preferred format. ### Social Media and Community Encyc maintains a digital footprint across several social media platforms, indicating community engagement efforts. * **Twitter:** The organization operates the handle `@encyc` on Twitter (now X). The account's activity is tracked starting from October 31, 2019. * **Reddit:** The official subreddit is located at `r/encyc`. This community space was created on May 3, 2019, and is designated for English-language discussion.