🔗RDF

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Also known as: Resource Description Framework

A W3C framework for representing information as subject–predicate–object triples to enable data interchange on the Web.

DESCRIPTION

RDF (Resource Description Framework) models statements as triples linking resources and values via IRIs and literals. It provides a graph-based, schema-flexible model suited for semantic interoperability and linked data. RDF supports serializations like Turtle, RDF/XML, N-Triples, and JSON-LD. Querying is performed with SPARQL, and schema-level vocabularies include RDFS and OWL. RDF underpins knowledge graphs, open data publishing, and metadata exchange across domains.

ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS

W3C RDF 1.1 Concepts and Abstract Syntax

The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a framework for representing information in the Web.

Authoritative standard defining RDF’s role in Web-scale information representation.

Source

W3C RDF 1.1 Primer

RDF is a general method for conceptual description or modeling of information that is implemented in web resources.

Primer emphasizes RDF as a general modeling method using web-based identifiers.

Source

RELATED TERMS

RDF Schema OWL SPARQL Linked Data Turtle Triple JSON-LD Simple Knowledge Organization System Knowledge Graph IRI

COMPETING TERMS

Property Graph Model

KNOWLEDGE AREAS

Semantic & Knowledge Modeling Data Integration & Interoperability Data Architecture Metadata Management

TARGET AUDIENCE

Data Architect Data Modeler Data Engineer Information Analyst

EXTERNAL SOURCES

• Wikipedia - Resource Description Framework
• W3C - Core RDF 1.1 concepts spec
• W3C - Turtle serialization specification
• W3C - SPARQL 1.1 overview

TOP QUESTIONS

What problem does RDF solve?

RDF provides a graph-based model for interoperable data exchange across systems using globally unique identifiers.

Category: Overview

How are statements represented in RDF?

As triples: subject, predicate, and object, forming a directed labeled graph.

Category: Concept

Which query language is used with RDF?

SPARQL is the W3C-standard query language for RDF data.

Category: Tools

What are common RDF serializations?

Turtle, RDF/XML, N-Triples, N-Quads, and JSON-LD are widely used.

Category: Practical

How does RDF compare to property graphs?

RDF emphasizes standard semantics and global identifiers; property graphs prioritize pragmatic labels and properties without standardized semantics.

Category: Comparison

What is RDFS and OWL in the RDF ecosystem?

RDFS and OWL define vocabularies and ontologies that add schema and reasoning capabilities over RDF data.

Category: Concept

Where is RDF commonly used?

Knowledge graphs, linked open data, metadata catalogs, and schema.org annotations on the web.

Category: Application

How does JSON-LD relate to RDF?

JSON-LD is a JSON-based serialization that maps to RDF concepts for web-friendly data exchange.

Category: Concept

What are common mistakes with RDF modeling?

Using literals instead of IRIs for entities, or inventing predicates without reusing established vocabularies.

Category: Mistakes