Help:Problem situations

What is an edit conflict?
Edit conflict arises when:
 * User A begins to edit the text of the article.
 * User B opens the edit window of the same article.
 * User A completes the changes and saves them.
 * User B also completes his/her changes, but just after user A saved his/her changes. When he clicks "Save changes", edit conflict arises.

Page of the edit conflict
The very first version is listed (i.e. user A’s version). Then difference between the two versions (A’s and B’s) follows. At the end the last version (user B’s without user A’s changes) is shown. User B (it means that user, who experienced edit conflict) has to compare changes, modify the top of the text (i.e. the text by user A) according to his changes at the bottom text.

There are two more controversial options. The first possibility is that the user B gives up his changes and leaves a valid version of the user A. The second option is to reject the changes of user A.

Solving the problem

 * User B makes small changes, user A makes major change: in this case it is advisable to use the version with major changes and add smaller changes to the text.
 * If both people make big changes, the solution is more difficult. User B has to compare both edits and merge them.
 * It is necessary to contact the first user about edit conflict and discuss all the changes at someone’s discussion page.
 * If you are not sure, please, contact the editorial board.

Prevention
Since the editing conflict is very unpleasant and time-consuming, it is necessary to prevent it. Options are as follows:
 * whenever possible, edit the smallest part of the text as possible
 * do not edit article that was edited a few minutes ago