Template:Possibly empty category/doc

This is a documentation subpage for Template:Possibly empty category. It may contain usage information, categories and other content that is not part of the original template page.

This template is used on approximately 69,000 pages and changes may be widely noticed. Test changes in the template's /sandbox or /testcases subpages, or in your own user subpage. Consider discussing changes on the talk page before implementing them. Preview message: Transclusion count updated automatically (see documentation).

The {{Possibly empty category}} template may be placed at the top of any category page for which it is normal that it sometimes is empty. This is typical for some maintenance, tracking and clean-up categories. It shows up only when the category is detected as empty.

Experience has shown that people sometimes delete those categories, thinking that they are no longer in use. However, if a legitimate WP:G8 criteria applies, such as "Categories populated by deleted or retargeted templates", then deletion may take place. Admins should check if a legitimate G8 applies before deleting.

This template is also intended to be used to prevent these categories from being listed at Wikipedia:Database reports/Empty categories.