Demystifying SHACL — Guide to Semantic Data Validation (Part 3)

So in the previous two installments, we generously laid down the so-called foundational knowledge. Specifically,

• Part 1 staged the evolving saga of Web 3.0 and the need for semantic validation. We indulged into discussion of ensuring data quality and interoperability between organisations 🏢
• Part 2, walks through the SHACL syntax and the available choices of validation services. We even discussed the core concepts required in constraint modelling 🏗️
• Part 3: Syntax of Core and SPARQL-based Constraints
• Part 4: Hands-on validation with pySHACL [In Progress]

So, now let’s keep our agenda clear and super precise. I will be talking about key concepts in SHACL Core and and the promising SHACL-SPARQL based constraints. I won’t promise to unlock all the details, but consider this your splendid starting ground for the journey ahead. I highly recommend the official documentation — it’s been my guiding light.

SHACL Core

The diagram below presents an informal overview of essential classes within the SHACL vocabulary. Each box denotes a class, and within each box, you’ll find a list of properties associated with instances of these classes, along with their corresponding value types. Arrows…