Fractality is a feature that is unique to the ProWiki. It means that any part (page, branch) of a wiki can be configured on its own by using "Context" subpages. Configuration is inherited and can be refined on any level in the page tree. In the extreme a WikiBranch may have its own layout, language, link options, and work like a wiki of its own. Another important aspect is that configuration becomes as accessible as a normal wiki page, although usually restricted to admins, and is therefore automatically versioned (page revisions). For some explanations and discussions see MeatBall:WikiFractality.

The configuration of a page is done in a special subpages named "Context". Take the colors to stand for layout, user rights or any other property: : http://www.prowiki2.org/upload/HelmutLeitner/context.gif Options are passed to subpages (jargon: inherited) and can be enhanced or redefined on any level: * one extreme is a SubWiki: a WikiBranch that may have its own layout, language, link options, RecentChanges, index, statistics and works like a wiki of its own (red and green could be candidates). * the other extreme is the page or page type that is completely individually configured (in the example: blue and yellow). Each page could have its own language, logo, layout or link rules. * in additional the normal scope an option (parent page and all its descendants) may be reduced. See OptionScope. WikiFractality is a simple idea that adds a so many ways to use to wikis, that only a small percentage have already been explored: * SubWikis for special interest groups within the community * projects and subprojects within a wiki that have separate access rights * students groups that work behind a curtain on the same task until the curtain is lifted * create and test new designs within a wiki, allowing everyone to participate * make a private Branch as an editorial system to work on pages that are then published (just copied) to the public part of a wiki See also: * MeatBall:WikiFractality -- some original explanations and discussions * WikiContextuality -- how ProWiki implements WikiFractality

The configuration of a page is done in a special subpages named "Context". Take the colors to stand for layout, user rights or any other property:

• one extreme is a SubWiki: a WikiBranch that may have its own layout, language, link options, RecentChanges, index, statistics and works like a wiki of its own (red and green could be candidates).
• the other extreme is the page or page type that is completely individually configured (in the example: blue and yellow). Each page could have its own language, logo, layout or link rules.
• in additional the normal scope an option (parent page and all its descendants) may be reduced. See OptionScope.

• SubWikis for special interest groups within the community
• projects and subprojects within a wiki that have separate access rights * students groups that work behind a curtain on the same task until the curtain is lifted
• create and test new designs within a wiki, allowing everyone to participate
• make a private Branch as an editorial system to work on pages that are then published (just copied) to the public part of a wiki

• MeatBall:WikiFractality -- some original explanations and discussions
• WikiContextuality -- how ProWiki implements WikiFractality