The Languages of the Semantic Web
When Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web, he also invented Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), a bare-bones set of commands for formatting web pages. Because this simple language could be easily implemented on virtually any type of computer system, its adoption as a standard was rapid and widespread, fueling the explosion of web use.
Today, Berners-Lee heads a next generation project to create what he calls "The Semantic Web" -- a virtual wonderland where we'll be able to do all kinds of cool things, including finding information with nearly effortless ease (see link below for more on the Semantic Web).
To realize this vision of the web, new languages have been developed that go far beyond the limitations of HTML. To many people, these languages are nothing more than acronym soup: RDF, XML, DAML, OIL, and so on. But very gradually they're working their way into the fabric of the web, and it behooves us all to have at least a working overview of the new languages and their functions.
Uche Ogbuji's thoughtful overview of the Semantic Web is a gentle introduction to the new languages that are soon going to be ubiquitous. It's an excellent, well-written primer that's well worth a read for anyone who plans to spend a lot of future hours in the continually evolving world of cyberspace.
The Languages of the Semantic Web
http://www.newarchitectmag.com/documents/s=2453/new1020218556549/index.html
The Semantic Web
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?articleID=00048144-10D2-1C70-84A9809EC588EF21&catID=2
A terrific overview of the Semantic Web and how it will change our online lives, from core W3C team members Tim Berners-Lee, James Hendler and Ora Lassila.
On the Road to the Semantic Web
SearchDay, March 20, 2002
http://searchenginewatch.com/searchday/02/sd0320-owl.html
A new language called OWL will help power automated tools for the next generation web, offering advanced services such as more accurate Web search, intelligent software agents and knowledge management.
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