Configuring Trackbacks in Drupal
Leaving Tracks
© Axel Teichmann, Fotolia
Trackbacks offer a simple means for bloggers to connect and share information.
A trackback is a way for a blogger to automatically notify different blogs that he or she has either begun or extended a conversation with another blogger. A trackback is one of three main types of linkbacks (see the "Trackbacks and Linkbacks" box) that bloggers use to keep track of each other's postings and ensure that their readers can link to related content. Once a website has trackbacks enabled, one blogger can reach out to another on a separate site by sending a "ping" to that user. The ping simply says, "Here's a topic that is related to what you've posted, check it out."
If a blogger on a separate site wants to respond, the conversation between the two bloggers becomes stronger. To use the parlance of today's blogging community, the conversation between these two bloggers becomes "context" because now they have been participating in a detailed, relevant conversation. They are building a body of knowledge that will be useful to any reader interested in the topic they are writing about.
With trackbacks, two seemingly unrelated conversations become more strongly associated. Each time an update occurs in the conversation, the context becomes stronger and richer. Search engines often rank pages higher if they are linked from other sites. Trackbacks thus promote higher ratings and perhaps more exposure for a project or product.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.