Last modified: 2011-03-13 18:06:04 UTC
When e-mail address is entered, it could happen, that a typo occurs. Several other software scripts (e.g. forum software) requires that new users enter not only the password twice, but also the e-mail address. MediaWiki now has e-mail address authentication, where a token is sent. Some have argued, that having one input field is not secure enough and request to have ***two fields for the e-mail address, a first field and a second verification field ***
Sorry for this comment, but practice shows to me, that I will allways use copy-paste to fill in this nasty things twice. I thing that this is not a good error preventing feature...
This bug is a very bad idea and roots in a misunderstanding. The only reason why there are have 2 password entry fields everywhere (during registration, not login) is that passwords fields are starred-out, you cannot see the password you type. Also, it would be fatal to have a typo, because you would never be able to access your account and you can't try again. Both of that is not true for the email address. You can see it and easily check it visually. If you don't, your own fault. Still, even then there's not a problem: You can try again with the proper email address, and the confirmation mail to the bad address probably bounces and does no harm anyways.
