Unlocking Web3's Potential: The Transformative Role of JSON-LD in Internet Data Management
Summary:
This article discusses the role of the technology JSON-LD in the development and future of Web3. The author points out that while JSON-LD might seem insignificant, it serves as a crucial tool in transforming internet data into a form that can be interpreted by both humans and machines, aiding in the growth of Web3. The piece also gives an insight into the complexities of interoperability within Web3 and how JSON-LD helps to streamline this. The overall theme underscores how seemingly minor technologies can have major impacts on digital innovation.
Major innovations often provoke debates. The question arises, will Web3 democratize the internet? Is decentralization a reality? As someone who specializes in data, I'm not equipped to comment on the cultural repercussions of Web3. However, I can say that such debates are common whenever significant changes are on the horizon. This can be illustrated by the discontent faced by car pioneer Alexander Winton when he first promoted the automobile in 1897. Just like the controversy surrounding the birth of cars, Web3 is being constructed under a layer of criticism. Despite public opinion, the machine-readable internet or Tim Berners-Lee’s original concept of Web 3.0, is advancing. From Decentralised Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) to Amazon's Astro home robot, the applications for machine intelligence are expanding.
Until recently, we didn't have the ability to aggregate data into a common language comprehensible to both humans and machines. A protocol named JSON-LD is breaking down these barriers. Despite its humble façade, this protocol is crucial in shaping the infrastructure of Web3. Similar to car brake lines, JSON-LD operates below the surface and is a crucial component in evolving Web3.
To understand, process, and interpret data scattered across the internet with minimal human intervention, several APIs need to connect with different databases. This data is then funnelled into a data lake before being jettisoned into a data warehouse for processing. This laborious process is a major driving force behind the new structure of Web3. The databases which facilitate digital functions such as organising business contacts, are not equipped to provide data to machines to create new business opportunities and revolutionise society. The data should be trustworthy, safe and interoperable so machines can access it outside of databases.
Components for this redesign are already available. Blockchain provides trust and stability, while Microledgers maintain security and privacy. The W3C RDF standards or semantic standards transform all data into machine-readable format so machines can link and utilize data from any source.
However, JSON-LD's importance becomes apparent with the realization that Web3 requires data to be located anywhere, contain proof of its authenticity, and describe itself in a common language understood by humans and machines. JSON is a protocol that dispatches data to be featured on a webpage, such as a dropdown list of suggestions following a search query. A more evolved version of JSON, known as JSON-LD (Linked Data) has emerged recently. It uses RDF to encapsulate data that can be interpreted and used outside the database.
Encoded with RDF's semantic standard or shared lexicon, JSON-LD allows data to be organized, contextualized and connected everywhere. It also eliminates the need for repeated entries of the same data into different databases. Sharing, complying with reporting regulations and re-operationalizing data into new applications is simplified. The value of JSON-LD can be illustrated by examples such as sharing patient data among hospitals securely or tracking disease pathogens and counterfeit goods in supply chains. When integrated with autonomous vehicles, robots and other smart devices, the potential of JSON-LD multiplies.
JSON-LD can also streamline Web3's array of separate blockchains, taking the case of someone wishing to create a platform to list every NFT. If NFT developers store data in their individual silos, the anonymity of Web3 becomes a hindrance. With interoperability providing a common language, it becomes easier to understand and link data while retaining privacy, trust and security.
As we stand on the brink of another change, Web3 in its inception phase is causing some confusion. It's difficult to predict the inventions that will shape its future. However, tools like JSON-LD configurations can aid in the evolution of Web3.
Brian Platz, the co-founder and CEO of Fluree, a Web3 database platform, aligns with this viewpoint. His firm facilitates secure and interoperable data management, proving yet again that the field is continually innovating.
Published At
11/29/2023 4:00:00 PM
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