Author: E.Scribbler

Description:
illustration of proposed feature

Feature description
The best idea is just to look at the image I attached under "proposed feature", that explains it best. When viewing Wikipedia in the browser there are internal links to other Wikipedia articles. When the mouse cursor is put on a link the full link address is displayed. This sometimes helps, but not always. I would suggest that when the mouse is placed over a link (but not yet pressed) after a few seconds the first few lines of the linked article would appear like a small tooltip, not necessitating the reader to open that article in a new tab and so saving the reader time.

Specific example / use case
Example: Suppose I am reading the article about Cato the Younger and I see this sentence:
"A noted orator, he is remembered for his stubbornness and tenacity (especially in his lengthy conflict with Julius Caesar) [...]".

If I don't know who Julius Caesar is but I don't want to open the article, just read a few lines to know the context, I can't. I have to open the article in a new tab. I propose that if I put the mouse over the link Julius Caesar, after a few seconds I would see in a tooltip or a small balloon the first lines of the linked article:
Gaius Julius Caesar[2] (Classical Latin: [ˈɡaː.i.ʊs ˈjuː.lɪ.ʊs ˈkaj.sar],[3] July 100 BC[4] – 15 March 44 BC)[5] was a Roman general, statesman, Consul, and notable author of Latin prose.

This way I don't have to open the article separately and I can move on with my reading.
Here's a visual example.

Proposed feature

(attached image 1)

Existing feature
It is similar to what is done today with links to references where you have a small balloon opening with the full name.

I hope this was clear. I would be happy to clarify with any other information needed.

Thank you and good day!

Version: wmf-deployment
Severity: normal

Attached: