Resource Description Framework (RDF)

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Discussion

The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a W3C framework for representing information on the Web. RDF represents information as graphs composed of statements about resources, properties, and values.

W3C defines RDF as a framework for representing information in the Web and defines RDF graphs as sets of subject-predicate-object triples. W3C also defines RDF as an abstract syntax that links RDF-based languages and specifications, including RDF semantics, serialization syntaxes, SPARQL, and RDF Schema. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

RDF provides a graph-based representation framework. RDF differs from OWL. OWL provides an Ontology Language for the Semantic Web. RDF provides the underlying graph representation framework used by RDF-based languages and specifications.

RDF expresses semantic content when RDF statements use governed vocabularies, defined terms, controlled identifiers, and traceable domain meanings. RDF syntax alone does not establish the intended Semantic of a domain.

Definition

framework for representing information as graph-based statements about resources, properties, and values

Source

W3C Resource Description Framework (RDF) 1.1 Concepts and Abstract Syntax; specialized for use in the FX Demo Reference Architecture.

Note

RDF is not equivalent to Ontology, OWL, or Semantic. RDF provides a representation framework. Ontologies, vocabularies, schemas, rules, and applications provide additional semantic commitments.

Example

An RDF graph represents a statement that an FX trade has a counterparty by using a subject identifier for the trade, a property identifier for the counterparty relationship, and an object identifier for the counterparty.

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