1.3 RDF Data Modeling

In addition to its formal semantics, RDF data has a simple data structure that is effectively modeled using a directed graph.

The metadata statements are represented as triples: nodes are used to represent two parts of the triple, and the third part is represented by a directed link that describes the relationship between the nodes. The triples are stored in an RDF data network. In addition, information is maintained about specific RDF graphs created by database users. A user-created RDF Graph has a graph name, and refers to triples stored in a specified table column.

Statements are expressed in triples: {subject or resource, predicate or property, object or value}. In this manual, {subject, property, object} is used to describe a triple, and the terms statement and triple may sometimes be used interchangeably. Each triple is a complete and unique fact about a specific domain, and can be represented by a link in a directed graph.