What is the Difference Between Wikipedia and Encyclopedia?

Wikipedia and encyclopedias share the purpose of distributing knowledge to people, but they differ in several aspects:

1. Form: Wikipedia is an internet-based encyclopedia, while other encyclopedias are available as hard copies and internet sources.
2. Accessibility: Wikipedia is freely available and can be edited by anyone, while traditional encyclopedias are usually available in print and have a more limited audience.
3. Authority: Encyclopedias are considered definitive and authoritative works, whereas Wikipedia is not accepted as a reliable source in academic circles.
4. Content: Wikipedia relies on volunteer contributors from around the world, while traditional encyclopedias have expert authors who are identifiable and credible.
5. Article Length: Encyclopedia articles are generally longer and more detailed than those in dictionaries, while Wikipedia entries can vary in length and depth.
6. Outline of Knowledge: Wikipedia's Outline of Knowledge is divided into standalone outline articles and presented as linkified hypertext, allowing readers to jump directly to an article on a desired topic. In contrast, Britannica's Outline of Knowledge is presented as a single continuous document, and readers must look up articles manually.

In summary, while both Wikipedia and encyclopedias serve as knowledge resources, they differ in their form, accessibility, authority, content, and structure.

Comparative Table: Wikipedia vs Encyclopedia

Here is a table comparing the differences between Wikipedia and Encyclopedia:

In summary, while both Wikipedia and encyclopedias provide valuable information, Wikipedia offers a wide range of topics, real-time updates, and easy navigation with embedded links. However, the quality of the content on Wikipedia can vary as it is user-generated. Encyclopedias, on the other hand, are written by experts and provide reliable information in well-organized printed books.