RDF database
(also triplestore)
RDF database definition
An RDF database, or a triplestore, is a type of database designed to store and manage data in the format of RDF (Resource Description Framework). RDF data consists of triples, each of which is a combination of a subject, a predicate, and an object. This allows the database to represent complex relationships between different pieces of data.
See also: query language
How an RDF database works
An RDF database works by storing information in a specific format called triples. Each triple consists of three parts:
- Subject. This is the thing or item you’re talking about.
- Predicate. This tells something about the subject, like a property or relationship.
- Object. This is the value or another item that the predicate relates to the subject.
For example, in a triple, you might have ‘Cat (subject) – Color (predicate) – Black (object).’ These triples help the database describe and understand the connections between data points.
To find and use data in an RDF database, you use a query language called SPARQL. It lets you ask specific questions about the data, like finding all items with a certain property or seeing how different items connect.
Use cases of RDF databases
- Web data and linked data. RDF is key to linking different kinds of web data from different fields, like maps, science, or history.
- Knowledge graphs. Companies use RDF databases to build knowledge graphs, like the ones that help search engines find better results.
- Data integration and interoperability. In businesses and research, RDF databases combine data from different places or formats, making it easier to work with.
- Semantic annotations. RDF is used in semantic annotations of web resources to make them more understandable and searchable.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning. RDF databases provide complex and linked datasets that are useful for AI and machine learning training and research.