Wikibooks:Bots
From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
Bots are computer programs that interface with Wikibooks typically performing complex tasks faster than a person could. Bots can consist of functions inside client programs or tools that are only run under direct control of a human operator (semiautomatic), a program that performs tasks automatically without direct oversight of a human operator (fully automated), or anywhere in between.
[edit] Bots
Bots are allowed provided they work as expected, do not interfere with or reduce people's ability to contribute meaningful content to Wikibooks, and do not perform any controversial actions. Bots which break these basic principals or break any policies in the process of performing a task, may be blocked without warning.
[edit] Bot Flag
The bot flag exists so that bot accounts that perform frequent edits can operate without hitting normal edit limits and to make it possible for users to hide such edits from recent changes and their watchlists. Users can choose to hide bot edits in their watchlists by selecting the necessary options in My Preferences.
Bot flags can be requested by the owner of a bot, or any other Wikibookian who feels that the bot requires the flag to avoid flooding the RC feed. To obtain the bot flag, a request should be made at WB:RFP. The Wikibooks community may ask to see the source code of the bot, to see controlled demonstrations of the bot's abilities, or demonstrate a need to perform edits beyond the normal rates and hide such edits. Obtaining a bot flag does not require an actual vote, although Wikibookians may express concern or approval about it. Bot flags can be granted at the discretion of a local bureaucrat, or by a steward if the community demonstrates consensus and no bureaucrats are available.
Bot flags can be removed if they are no longer needed, no longer wanted, or not actively used. A bot which only edits occasionally and does not flood the RC feed does not need the flag, and it's edits should be openly visible to the RC patrollers like all other edits.
[edit] Admin Bots
Some bots can be used along with administrative tools that will enable it to perform multiple page deletions, page protections, page reverts, User/IP blocks, or page undeletions in an automated way. During an RFA, certain users are trusted to use admin tools, and we do not prescribe the way in which those tools are used. Admins may therefore use automating tools to help perform repetitive admin tasks, under the following conditions:
- An admin bot malfunction is indistinguishable from abuse. Admins are responsible for problems caused by their bots. Admins should be extremely cautious about running automated tools for admin tasks.
- Admin bots should not be given the bot flag. Admin actions should be easily visible to all RC page patrollers.
