RDF Introduction

Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a W3C standard used to describe network resources, such as the title, author, modification date, content, and copyright information of web pages.

Basic Knowledge You Should Have

Before proceeding, you need to have a basic understanding of the following knowledge:

  • HTML
  • XHTML
  • XML
  • XML Namespace

If you want to learn these items first, please visit our Home Page.

What is RDF?

  • RDF stands for Resource Description Framework
  • RDF is a framework for describing resources on the Web
  • RDF provides a model and syntax for data, so independent groups can exchange and use it
  • RDF is designed to be readable and understandable by computers
  • The purpose of RDF is not designed to be displayed to people
  • RDF is written in XML
  • RDF is part of the W3C Semantic Web activity
  • RDF is a W3C recommended standard

RDF - Application Examples

  • Describe the properties of shopping items, such as price and availability
  • Describe the schedule of Web events
  • Describe information about web pages, such as content, author, and the dates created and modified
  • Describe the content and rating of network images
  • Describe content for search engines
  • Describe electronic library

RDF is designed to be readable by computers

RDF is designed to provide a universal method for describing information, so that it can be read and understood by computer applications.

RDF is not designed to be displayed on the network.

RDF is written in XML

RDF documents are written in XML. The XML language used by RDF is called RDF/XML.

By using XML, RDF information can be easily exchanged between computers using different types of operating systems and application languages.

RDF and Semantic Web

RDF language is a part of W3C's Semantic Web Activity. The goal of W3C's 'Semantic Web Vision' is to:

  • Web information has precise meaning
  • Web information can be understood and processed by computers
  • Computers can integrate information from the Web

RDF is a W3C standard

RDF became a W3C standard in February 2004.

W3C recommendations (standards) are revered as web standards by the industry and web communities. W3C recommended standards are stable specifications developed by W3C working groups and reviewed by W3C members.

You can find the official W3C recommended standards through this link.

http://www.w3.org/RDF/