In a nutshell, a stub is a short or incomplete article that could be expanded. If you see an article or a section that has not reached the needed depth for its subject, you should mark it as a stub, by typing {{stub}} at the end of the page. This template adds a couple of sentences indicating that the article is a stub. It also categorizes the incomplete article as a stub (see the stubs category), so that editors can identify and expand the needy articles.
Special stub tags exist for articles in the Smasher namespace and for sections of articles. A smasher article should be tagged by typing {{smasher-stub}}.
You should, however, hold discretion before tagging articles as stubs. Not every short page should be labeled a stub. This page provides policy on when and where to wield the stub template.
Which articles are stubs?[]
In terms of length, a stub is an article that is only a few sentences long. This length, however, is not a fast and steady rule. You shouldn't, for instance, add a stub tag to a short article about an unimportant topic. On the other hand, some subjects are so important (like Super Smash Bros. Melee or wavedash) that even a description of several paragraphs might be short enough for the article to be deemed a stub.
How can you figure out whether or not an article can appropriately be tagged a stub? That depends on the subject.
- Gameplay articles: every gameplay-related article requires a description or definition of the subject, or else it is a stub. You should also tag important gameplay elements (such as wavedash) as stubs if they do not discuss how the subject relates to the community or to tournament play.
- Character articles: this subjects is important and requires a substantial article. A character article is a stub if it does not discuss the character's most notable attributes in the game, such as his or her special attacks. You do not, however, need to include in-depth information about that character's appearance in other, non-Smash games).
- Stage articles: a stage article is a stub if it does not at least describe the stage's layout. This includes the movement of stages such as Brinstar Depths or Hyrule Castle. A stage article should also indicate its legality in tournaments.
- Sections: sections of articles follow the same guidelines as articles when determining whether it should be tagged as a stub. If it's a broad enough subject that it could be expanded to fill several paragraphs and subsections, the section should be marked with the sectstub tag.
Removing the stub tag[]
If a former stub has been lengthened so that it can no longer be deemed a stub, you may remove the stub tag. You do not need to request permission to take it off. In some cases, however, it would be nice if you made a note of it in the article's talk page, particularly if the page's stub status is controversial.