Bots

Bots are users on wikis that are run by computers/scripts rather than humans. Bot accounts are created as normal and generally added to the bot user group so that they can bypass any measures that are intended to stop malicious bots from functioning. The bot accounts are accessed through scripts running on a computer.

Permission

Approved bots can be given the bot flag on individual wikis. This makes all edits done by that account able to be hidden from Recent Changes and it removes systems in place to prevent certain types of malicious editing/botting, thus making edits by bots easier to perform. Requests for permissions should be left on the Stewards' noticeboard.

Bot Accounts / Getting the Flag

Bot accounts are created as normal and generally added to the bot user group, the bot accounts are accessed through scripts running on a computer. Bot programs running on computers do the work of the bot, and the bot account allows it to access functionality on the wiki. Some tasks, such as editing on an open wiki or getting information do not require an account, but bots that perform privileged tasks including blocking users or protecting pages require a bot account with sysop rights. The program that runs the bot is run from a computer controlled by the bot account owner. Some bots might allow interaction with bots through the wiki; this is done by setting the bot to watch for specific changes to its user page or talk page, or any other bot relevant page, such as a central bot control page.

Global Bots

Global bots are global accounts that have the bot flag on all wikis. They are generally approved to perform small/trivial edits on many wikis, or perform maintenance across the community. Requests for permissions should be left on the Stewards' noticeboard. User:OrainMessenger is an example of a global bot.