Read-only

Sometimes wikis are in read-only mode when we perform maintenance tasks. This may affect all wikis or just some wikis.

Read-only mode means you can still read pages but editing is locked. If you encounter a message similar to "you can not save changes because of database locks", then keep the editor opened and try again later. The read-only mode may take from one minute to one hour, depending on the reason.

The reasons for read-only mode include both unintended situations (failure of a server), as well as intended (moving/switching/changing servers or databases, or datacenter switch tests). It is necessary to do these intended periods of read-only time to prevent inconsistencies between databases, and to test that emergency backup systems work as planned.

Planned locks

There is one recurring read-only: the week of every equinox (March and June).

You can subscribe to Tech/News to get updated about all major technical changes and problems, including planned database and server operations that need a lock.

See also

• Switch Datacenter: Recurring, Equinox-based, Data Center Switchovers on wikitechwiki.