linkedobjects

Linked-JSON Spec (Subset of JSON-LD)

Abstract:

This document proposes a lightweight data format called Linked-JSON, inspired by JSON-LD. It focuses on simplifying linking capabilities within JSON by introducing a single key to link data elements to external resources.

Syntax:

Linked-JSON extends standard JSON syntax by adding a special key named @id to represent a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI).

Example:

{
  "@id": "https://example.com/resource-1",
  "name": "Alice",
  "friend": {
    "@id": "https://example.com/resource-2",
    "name": "Bob"
  }
}

Semantics:

• The @id key associates a URI with the enclosing JSON object. This URI serves as a hyperlink to an external resource that provides additional information about the object.
• Nested objects can also have their own @id key, allowing for a network of linked data within a single JSON structure.

Conformance:

• Processors for Linked-JSON MUST recognize and interpret the @id key.
• When serializing data to Linked-JSON, processors SHOULD use the @id key to represent URIs.

Relationship to JSON-LD:

• Linked-JSON is a minimal extension of JSON, similar to JSON-LD in its core functionality (data linking).
• However, Linked-JSON focuses solely on the @id key for linking, omitting additional JSON-LD features like context definitions and typing.

Benefits:

• Simple and easy-to-learn syntax compared to full JSON-LD.
• Leverages existing JSON knowledge for seamless implementation.
• Enables basic data linking for interoperability between resources.

Limitations:

• Lacks the rich context definition and typing capabilities of JSON-LD.
• May not be suitable for complex data linking scenarios requiring more advanced features.

Next Steps:

• Prototype implementations to explore Linked-JSON in practical use cases.
• Community discussion and feedback on potential enhancements or integration with other data formats.

Disclaimer:

This Linked-JSON Micro-Spec is a proposal and may be subject to change based on community feedback and further development efforts.

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