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Linked Data
Summary
Linked Data presents the Linked Data model in plain, jargon-free language to Web developers. Avoiding the overly academic terminology of the Semantic Web, this new book presents practical techniques, using everyday tools like JavaScript and Python.
About this Book
The current Web is mostly a collection of linked documents useful for human consumption. The evolving Web includes data collections that may be identified and linked so that they can be consumed by automated processes. The W3C approach to this is Linked Data and it is already used by Google, Facebook, IBM, Oracle, and government agencies worldwide.
Linked Data presents practical techniques for using Linked Data on the Web via familiar tools like JavaScript and Python. You'll work step-by-step through examples of increasing complexity as you explore foundational concepts such as HTTP URIs, the Resource Description Framework (RDF), and the SPARQL query language. Then you'll use various Linked Data document formats to create powerful Web applications and mashups.
Written to be immediately useful to Web developers, this book requires no previous exposure to Linked Data or Semantic Web technologies.
Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.
What's Inside
Finding and consuming Linked Data
Using Linked Data in your applications
Building Linked Data applications using standard Web techniques
About the Authors
David Wood is co-chair of the W3C's RDF Working Group. Marsha Zaidman served as CS chair at University of Mary Washington. Luke Ruth is a Linked Data developer on the Callimachus Project. Michael Hausenblas led the Linked Data Research Centre.
Table of Contents
PART 1 THE LINKED DATA WEB
Introducing Linked Data
RDF: the data model for Linked
Consuming Linked Data
PART 2 TAMING LINKED DATA
Creating Linked Data with
SPARQL—querying the Linked
PART 3 LINKED DATA IN THE WILD
Enhancing results from search
RDF database fundamentals
Datasets
PART 4 PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER
Callimachus: a Linked Data
Publishing Linked Data—a recap
The evolving Web
Linked Data presents the Linked Data model in plain, jargon-free language to Web developers. Avoiding the overly academic terminology of the Semantic Web, this new book presents practical techniques, using everyday tools like JavaScript and Python.
About this Book
The current Web is mostly a collection of linked documents useful for human consumption. The evolving Web includes data collections that may be identified and linked so that they can be consumed by automated processes. The W3C approach to this is Linked Data and it is already used by Google, Facebook, IBM, Oracle, and government agencies worldwide.
Linked Data presents practical techniques for using Linked Data on the Web via familiar tools like JavaScript and Python. You'll work step-by-step through examples of increasing complexity as you explore foundational concepts such as HTTP URIs, the Resource Description Framework (RDF), and the SPARQL query language. Then you'll use various Linked Data document formats to create powerful Web applications and mashups.
Written to be immediately useful to Web developers, this book requires no previous exposure to Linked Data or Semantic Web technologies.
Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.
What's Inside
Finding and consuming Linked Data
Using Linked Data in your applications
Building Linked Data applications using standard Web techniques
About the Authors
David Wood is co-chair of the W3C's RDF Working Group. Marsha Zaidman served as CS chair at University of Mary Washington. Luke Ruth is a Linked Data developer on the Callimachus Project. Michael Hausenblas led the Linked Data Research Centre.
Table of Contents
PART 1 THE LINKED DATA WEB
Introducing Linked Data
RDF: the data model for Linked
Consuming Linked Data
PART 2 TAMING LINKED DATA
Creating Linked Data with
SPARQL—querying the Linked
PART 3 LINKED DATA IN THE WILD
Enhancing results from search
RDF database fundamentals
Datasets
PART 4 PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER
Callimachus: a Linked Data
Publishing Linked Data—a recap
The evolving Web
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 2, 2023
Really useful if you want to see some code samples with a clear implementation of RFDa. External examples and code samples haven’t aged well and are in some cases gone. But the edition I read was about 8 years old.
March 4, 2014
Linked data is ontology for masses. Knowledge mining requires efficient ontological data structures and once was only a limited field of study good for academics. But the explosion of public networked systems, namely the internet, and more importantly the availability of scalable data centres that can hold large terabytes of data for low-cost, pushed the knowledge-mining frontier onto public.
It is good to see a book that covers the linked-data in reasonable depth for all to understand easily and also explains practical way of getting started with it. I am referring to chapter 9, where the author explains how to create a linked data management system, which will be very helpful to you if you are a developer trying to figure out how to get started with linked-data.
This books covers the practical way of setting-up a linked data management system with Callimachus, starting from creating pages using RDF classes and ending with creating feed-based pages from multiple-data sources, giving examples of querying linked data from NOAA and EPA. However, one-thing missing, at-least personally to me, I would have loved to see a comparison (or atleast differentiation) with other traditional ways of achieving the same thing and what are the pros and cons of linked-data approach. That would have given justification for non-believers. Anyhow, if this book is targeting the 'believers of linked-data', then it did a good job by covering the SparQL formats, and development environments in appendices, which can serve as quick reference for developers.
While introducing RDF in chapter 2, author explains how it can be used in enterprise environments and what are the typical web-server settings that you may need to configure to get it working, very useful if you are new to linked-data and trying to make your website compliant with linked-data standards. A comparison with schema.org and RDFLite is mentioned, but could have given more details about how the search results could benefit from RDFLite (for example, how microdata is useful to highlight your web-page in search results). A simple microdata notation using RDFLite for your webpage and product listing can convert your search results into sale-leads. An example with a brief search-result image differentiating the results with microdata vs without microdata could have helped many uninitiated to seriously consider linked data.
Chapter 3, focused on consuming the linked-data that is created and published by others, which is useful if you are a data aggregator. The tools discussed in the chapter, such as Sindice, data hub etc. give you motivation and ideas on how to get started on it. In the Part 2, the books goes deep into FOAF, introducing the vocabulary, creating the FOAF profiles etc. I, for one, is not sure if FOAF is something every one wants to read about in this book, but it is there if anyone needs it. Rather what is more important and helpful is the next chapter on SparQL, which is explained in detail. If you are a developer, then SparQL is a must for your linked-data.
All in all, this book is a good starting point for anyone interested in linked-data. Many helpful pointers are available for developers to get started with linked-data. The only caveat is, it assumes that you already know and/or using linked-data, so does not spend much time on explaining what the benefits or linked-data against other approaches. Good read for developers and IT administrators. But managers who are doing cost-benefit analysis may need to look elsewhere before getting onto this.
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About Reviewer: GK (Gopalakrishna) is a technology management and big-data consultant specialized in distributed architectures and linked-data systems. He can be reached at for any queries on the review.
It is good to see a book that covers the linked-data in reasonable depth for all to understand easily and also explains practical way of getting started with it. I am referring to chapter 9, where the author explains how to create a linked data management system, which will be very helpful to you if you are a developer trying to figure out how to get started with linked-data.
This books covers the practical way of setting-up a linked data management system with Callimachus, starting from creating pages using RDF classes and ending with creating feed-based pages from multiple-data sources, giving examples of querying linked data from NOAA and EPA. However, one-thing missing, at-least personally to me, I would have loved to see a comparison (or atleast differentiation) with other traditional ways of achieving the same thing and what are the pros and cons of linked-data approach. That would have given justification for non-believers. Anyhow, if this book is targeting the 'believers of linked-data', then it did a good job by covering the SparQL formats, and development environments in appendices, which can serve as quick reference for developers.
While introducing RDF in chapter 2, author explains how it can be used in enterprise environments and what are the typical web-server settings that you may need to configure to get it working, very useful if you are new to linked-data and trying to make your website compliant with linked-data standards. A comparison with schema.org and RDFLite is mentioned, but could have given more details about how the search results could benefit from RDFLite (for example, how microdata is useful to highlight your web-page in search results). A simple microdata notation using RDFLite for your webpage and product listing can convert your search results into sale-leads. An example with a brief search-result image differentiating the results with microdata vs without microdata could have helped many uninitiated to seriously consider linked data.
Chapter 3, focused on consuming the linked-data that is created and published by others, which is useful if you are a data aggregator. The tools discussed in the chapter, such as Sindice, data hub etc. give you motivation and ideas on how to get started on it. In the Part 2, the books goes deep into FOAF, introducing the vocabulary, creating the FOAF profiles etc. I, for one, is not sure if FOAF is something every one wants to read about in this book, but it is there if anyone needs it. Rather what is more important and helpful is the next chapter on SparQL, which is explained in detail. If you are a developer, then SparQL is a must for your linked-data.
All in all, this book is a good starting point for anyone interested in linked-data. Many helpful pointers are available for developers to get started with linked-data. The only caveat is, it assumes that you already know and/or using linked-data, so does not spend much time on explaining what the benefits or linked-data against other approaches. Good read for developers and IT administrators. But managers who are doing cost-benefit analysis may need to look elsewhere before getting onto this.
-------------
About Reviewer: GK (Gopalakrishna) is a technology management and big-data consultant specialized in distributed architectures and linked-data systems. He can be reached at for any queries on the review.
March 24, 2014
The book represents a great introduction into the field of linked data. It is neither a survey nor an academical course but a deep consistent overview aimed at a practitioner. It can be very useful for anyone who wants some single source to get quick understanding of main concepts in linked data. The book is full of examples illustrating every minor and major concept introduced. Even listings of document sources which may seem too long at the first glance ultimately turn to complement the text in exactly right proportion. The same is true for lists and tables distributed across the book - they provide required level of documentation supporting the text without turning it into kind of reference. Diagrams are clear and concise. All these tools enable the reader to get maximum information from this moderate-size book which may take just a couple of weeks of everyday reading. SOmetimes terms are being referenced before being introduced in the text but glossary and index allow the reader to navigate to the definintion immediately and not leave any gap till the term is defined in the text. Along with linked data topics the book also introduces some pure IT concepts (like Javascript/Python features) useful for building linked data applications.
The book is not limited with introduction in the field of linked data but it also teaches the reader to apply this knowledge. First five chapters (parts 1 and 2) introduce the concepts and in chapter 6 the reader may start to "get your hands dirty" following the detailed instructions on how to create linked data applications. He/she will learn how to convert and prepare their data to get them aggregated and stored in RDF format. After this the book describes the ways how to make your application part of linked data world leveraging best practices for data publication. Later the reader is being acquainted with Callimanchus project which provides browser-based tools for development web applications utilizing RDF data. I strongly liked two last chapters, both their idea and contents. Chapter 10 provides a recap/overview of major steps involved in publishing of linked data. It can be very useful for thoughtful reader who goes through the book leaving no stone unturned and as a result may miss some parts of broader picture. The latest chapter is a brief overview of state of things in Semantic Web world and linked data in particular, some "successs stories" related to these technologies and current developments in the field.
Authors use Python and Javascript in the examples. In case the reader is not familiar with this languages, he/she may get all required information from excellent (and limited in size) sources such as "The Quick Python Book, Second Edition" by Naomi Ceder and "Javascript for Beginners" by Mark Lassoff.
The book is not limited with introduction in the field of linked data but it also teaches the reader to apply this knowledge. First five chapters (parts 1 and 2) introduce the concepts and in chapter 6 the reader may start to "get your hands dirty" following the detailed instructions on how to create linked data applications. He/she will learn how to convert and prepare their data to get them aggregated and stored in RDF format. After this the book describes the ways how to make your application part of linked data world leveraging best practices for data publication. Later the reader is being acquainted with Callimanchus project which provides browser-based tools for development web applications utilizing RDF data. I strongly liked two last chapters, both their idea and contents. Chapter 10 provides a recap/overview of major steps involved in publishing of linked data. It can be very useful for thoughtful reader who goes through the book leaving no stone unturned and as a result may miss some parts of broader picture. The latest chapter is a brief overview of state of things in Semantic Web world and linked data in particular, some "successs stories" related to these technologies and current developments in the field.
Authors use Python and Javascript in the examples. In case the reader is not familiar with this languages, he/she may get all required information from excellent (and limited in size) sources such as "The Quick Python Book, Second Edition" by Naomi Ceder and "Javascript for Beginners" by Mark Lassoff.
February 8, 2014
Linked Data or Semantic Web was one of the gray areas to me before I read what seems to be the only popularized publication of this kind in the Universe. But it is such a pity that not enough effort was devoted to propelling the Semantic Web capabilities further. I can tell now why after I read this book: it supercharges the web! For example it opens new capabilities to ‘machine to human� or vice versa interactions. Also it allows a web developer to tightly integrate disperse data sources, or simply promote one’s webpages which easily translates into higher revenue.
Just stop reading my review, go get this book, it is worth every penny. OK, if you are still with me, here is what else I want to share:
The book is VERY well structured, let me repeat, so well, it takes you off to swimming in very shallow waters of building a simplistic webpage and into the deep waters of a robust web application loaded with a specialized database without even you realizing how comfortable it feels to build such a Semantic Web powered app with a number of tools;
The person reading this book should be proficient in the following: Python, XML, HTML and JavaScript;
A Mac or Linux machine is preferable (no surprise here as it happens more and more often with all the modern publications), and
An advice: read through the both appendixes � you will find useful information there. Find/use a good XML supporting text editor. I used Syntext.
I started reading it in PDF on my Android tablet using MoonReader Pro, but oddly the formatting was broken, continuing reading on my desktop with a large monitor was more pleasurable.
Strangely, some phrases were repeated exactly twice (or may be three times one or the other) thorough ought this book which at first caused me some dejavu feelings.
In terms of my closing remarks: support the W3C � buy the 5-Star Linked Data mug ()!
I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 rating with heartsease.
A big thank you to Manning who made a very cautions decision to conceive such a worthy book!
Just stop reading my review, go get this book, it is worth every penny. OK, if you are still with me, here is what else I want to share:
The book is VERY well structured, let me repeat, so well, it takes you off to swimming in very shallow waters of building a simplistic webpage and into the deep waters of a robust web application loaded with a specialized database without even you realizing how comfortable it feels to build such a Semantic Web powered app with a number of tools;
The person reading this book should be proficient in the following: Python, XML, HTML and JavaScript;
A Mac or Linux machine is preferable (no surprise here as it happens more and more often with all the modern publications), and
An advice: read through the both appendixes � you will find useful information there. Find/use a good XML supporting text editor. I used Syntext.
I started reading it in PDF on my Android tablet using MoonReader Pro, but oddly the formatting was broken, continuing reading on my desktop with a large monitor was more pleasurable.
Strangely, some phrases were repeated exactly twice (or may be three times one or the other) thorough ought this book which at first caused me some dejavu feelings.
In terms of my closing remarks: support the W3C � buy the 5-Star Linked Data mug ()!
I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 rating with heartsease.
A big thank you to Manning who made a very cautions decision to conceive such a worthy book!
March 11, 2014
Being a newbie and implementing this technology recently I found the book a good introduction to linked data.
The book is well organized, and the chapters are explained step by step with techniques, and tools. It first starts with an introduction of what linked data is, and gives examples of how it is used by BBC, Google, Facebook, BestBuy, and others, and how it has improved their click through rates.
Then talks about how LOD cloud has grown with a visual that shows how things are linked to each other on the web, and explains the four linked data principles.
The book also explains how RDF is used as a data model which is at the core of linked data, and RDFa is used to enhance web pages and gives introduction to SPARQL which is used to query RDF graphs. Note that this is not a SPARQL book and only provides intro. The examples however give you a taste of how you can create your linked data (i.e with FOAF), how the SPARQL query results can be used in an html page with JSON, and Javascript, and how to create a web page from multiple resources with Callimachus.
Found the links in the how to consume linked data section useful, and good to bookmark.
In summary I found it as a very good read and recommend it for a web developer, and a data specialist.
The book is well organized, and the chapters are explained step by step with techniques, and tools. It first starts with an introduction of what linked data is, and gives examples of how it is used by BBC, Google, Facebook, BestBuy, and others, and how it has improved their click through rates.
Then talks about how LOD cloud has grown with a visual that shows how things are linked to each other on the web, and explains the four linked data principles.
The book also explains how RDF is used as a data model which is at the core of linked data, and RDFa is used to enhance web pages and gives introduction to SPARQL which is used to query RDF graphs. Note that this is not a SPARQL book and only provides intro. The examples however give you a taste of how you can create your linked data (i.e with FOAF), how the SPARQL query results can be used in an html page with JSON, and Javascript, and how to create a web page from multiple resources with Callimachus.
Found the links in the how to consume linked data section useful, and good to bookmark.
In summary I found it as a very good read and recommend it for a web developer, and a data specialist.
February 3, 2014
My first book on the subject. Left me wanting for more.
November 6, 2014
A solid overview of using linked data. Disappointed that the examples didn't go into more detail, but a great starting point.
May 1, 2017
Nice review of best practices how to intentionally accrue and then heroically fight accidental complexity.
If you've found yourself stuck with a RDF store you can't get rid of - then it's a great and useful book, no objections at all. If you need to import/export Semantic Web formats, that's fine too.
Just don't try to use them for internal storage and processing. It's like trying to build a house out of candy, sounds cool until in a couple months you find yourself with a ton of ants, worms and other funny creatures thriving on all that candy.
If you've found yourself stuck with a RDF store you can't get rid of - then it's a great and useful book, no objections at all. If you need to import/export Semantic Web formats, that's fine too.
Just don't try to use them for internal storage and processing. It's like trying to build a house out of candy, sounds cool until in a couple months you find yourself with a ton of ants, worms and other funny creatures thriving on all that candy.
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