There are different types of encyclopedias. Mainly they are divided into four types, namely Dictionaries, Comprehensive Encyclopaedia or Vishwakosh, Encyclopaedic literature or Koshsadrush and Indexes.

Wikipedia is an internet encyclopedia, which contains user uploaded information, while Encyclopedias are general reference detailed books, which are written by experienced knowledgable persons.

Wikipedia is a free content online encyclopedia written and maintained by a community of volunteers, known as Wikipedians, through open collaboration and the wiki software MediaWiki.

Some wiki engines are free and open-source, whereas others are proprietary. Some permit control over different functions (levels of access); for example, editing rights may permit changing, adding, or removing material. Others may permit access without enforcing access control.