jsona

JSONa is a data format that extends JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) by allowing the embedding of arbitrary RDF (Resource Description Framework) data within JSON objects. It is designed to represent structured data on the web in a way that is both human-readable and machine-readable, particularly for linked data applications.

The core idea behind JSONa is to provide a simple and familiar syntax for developers already accustomed to JSON, while simultaneously enabling the powerful semantics of RDF. This is achieved through the use of special attributes, prefixed with "typeof" and "property," which are used to define RDF types and properties within JSON structures.

For instance, a JSONa document might represent a person with a name and an email address. Using JSONa, these properties can be explicitly typed as belonging to a specific RDF vocabulary, like FOAF (Friend of a Friend), allowing the data to be understood and processed by semantic web applications. The "typeof" attribute indicates the RDF type of a resource, while the "property" attribute specifies a relationship between resources or attributes of a resource.

JSONa offers a pragmatic approach to publishing linked data, as it can be easily integrated into existing web pages and applications without requiring significant changes to infrastructure. It facilitates the creation of data that can be aggregated, queried, and reasoned about, contributing to the broader vision of a semantic web. Its flexibility allows for partial embedding of RDF, meaning that not every piece of data needs to be an RDF statement, making it adaptable to various use cases.