# SPARQL > RDF query language **Wikidata**: [Q54871](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54871) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPARQL) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sparql ## Summary SPARQL is a query language for RDF (Resource Description Framework) graphs, designed to facilitate data exchange and manipulation on the Semantic Web. It was developed as part of the W3C standards and has evolved through versions 1.0 (2008) and 1.1 (2013), with key contributions from developers like Carlos Buil Aranda and Eric G. Prud'hommeaux. Widely used in knowledge graphs like Wikidata, SPARQL enables structured querying of linked data. ## Key Facts - SPARQL is an RDF query language and communication protocol standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). - It was first introduced in 2008 with version 1.0, and updated to 1.1 in 2013. - Key developers include Carlos Buil Aranda and Eric G. Prud'hommeaux, acknowledged in the SPARQL 1.1 specifications. - SPARQL is used by Wikidata and the SPARQL query service for querying RDF data. - The language supports declarative programming and is part of the Semantic Web ecosystem. - It has aliases such as SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language, Simple Protocol RDF Query Language, and SPARQL Query Language. - SPARQL 1.1 includes specifications for querying and manipulating RDF graph content. - The language is implemented in tools like SPINACH Wikidata Agent and Shape Expressions for validating RDF graphs. - SPARQL is developed by Ontotext, a Bulgarian software company specializing in Semantic Web and knowledge graph technologies. - It is used alongside other RDF query languages like Shape Expressions and graph traversal languages like Gremlin. ## FAQs **What is SPARQL used for?** SPARQL is primarily used to query and manipulate RDF (Resource Description Framework) graphs, enabling structured data retrieval and analysis on the Semantic Web. It is widely adopted in knowledge graphs like Wikidata for querying linked data. **Who developed SPARQL?** SPARQL was developed by key contributors including Carlos Buil Aranda and Eric G. Prud'hommeaux, with contributions acknowledged in the SPARQL 1.1 specifications. The language was standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). **What versions of SPARQL exist?** SPARQL has two major versions: SPARQL 1.0 (2008) and SPARQL 1.1 (2013). SPARQL 1.1 includes enhanced specifications for querying and manipulating RDF graph content. **How does SPARQL relate to Wikidata?** SPARQL is used in the Wikidata Query Service to query data stored in Wikidata, a free multilingual online knowledge graph. The SPINACH Wikidata Agent also leverages SPARQL for natural language processing to create Wikidata queries. **What is the difference between SPARQL and Shape Expressions?** SPARQL is an RDF query language for retrieving and manipulating data, while Shape Expressions is a language for validating, describing, or transforming RDF graphs. Both are part of the Semantic Web ecosystem but serve different purposes. ## Why It Matters SPARQL plays a critical role in the Semantic Web by enabling structured querying of RDF data, which is essential for knowledge graph applications. Its adoption in platforms like Wikidata demonstrates its importance in organizing and retrieving linked data. By providing a standardized way to query and manipulate RDF graphs, SPARQL facilitates data exchange and integration across diverse systems, supporting the vision of a more interconnected and machine-readable web. Its development and evolution reflect ongoing efforts to improve data accessibility and interoperability in the digital age. ## Notable For - SPARQL is the primary query language for RDF data, widely used in knowledge graphs like Wikidata. - It was standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and has two major versions: 1.0 (2008) and 1.1 (2013). - SPARQL is developed by Ontotext, a Bulgarian software company specializing in Semantic Web and knowledge graph technologies. - The language supports declarative programming and is part of the Semantic Web ecosystem. - SPARQL is used alongside other RDF query languages like Shape Expressions and graph traversal languages like Gremlin. - It has aliases such as SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language, Simple Protocol RDF Query Language, and SPARQL Query Language. - SPARQL is implemented in tools like SPINACH Wikidata Agent and Shape Expressions for validating RDF graphs. ## Body ### Overview SPARQL is an RDF query language and communication protocol designed for querying and manipulating RDF graph content. It was developed as part of the W3C standards and has evolved through versions 1.0 (2008) and 1.1 (2013). Key developers include Carlos Buil Aranda and Eric G. Prud'hommeaux, with contributions acknowledged in the SPARQL 1.1 specifications. The language supports declarative programming and is widely used in knowledge graphs like Wikidata. ### History and Development SPARQL was first introduced in 2008 with version 1.0, and updated to 1.1 in 2013. The development of SPARQL was influenced by contributions from key developers such as Carlos Buil Aranda and Eric G. Prud'hommeaux. The language was standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and has been implemented in various tools and platforms. ### Versions and Specifications SPARQL has two major versions: SPARQL 1.0 (2008) and SPARQL 1.1 (2013). SPARQL 1.1 includes enhanced specifications for querying and manipulating RDF graph content. The language is part of the Semantic Web ecosystem and is used in conjunction with other RDF query languages like Shape Expressions. ### Applications and Use Cases SPARQL is used in the Wikidata Query Service to query data stored in Wikidata, a free multilingual online knowledge graph. The SPINACH Wikidata Agent also leverages SPARQL for natural language processing to create Wikidata queries. The language is implemented in tools like SPINACH Wikidata Agent and Shape Expressions for validating RDF graphs. ### Related Technologies and Tools SPARQL is related to other RDF query languages like Shape Expressions and graph traversal languages like Gremlin. It is developed by Ontotext, a Bulgarian software company specializing in Semantic Web and knowledge graph technologies. The language is used alongside other tools such as Blazegraph High Performance Graph Database and OntoStudio Ontology Editor. ### Standards and Organizations SPARQL is standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and has been developed in collaboration with organizations like Ontotext. The language is part of the Semantic Web ecosystem and is used in various standards and specifications. ### Community and Adoption SPARQL has been widely adopted in knowledge graphs like Wikidata and is used in conjunction with other RDF query languages like Shape Expressions. The language is supported by a community of developers and users who contribute to its evolution and improvement. ### Future Directions and Evolution The future of SPARQL includes ongoing efforts to improve its capabilities and expand its use cases. The language is part of the Semantic Web ecosystem and is expected to continue evolving in response to the needs of its users and the broader community. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.w3.org/TR/2013/REC-sparql11-overview-20130321/#Acknowledgements) 2. SPARQL 1.0 3. SPARQL 1.1 4. [Source](https://www.w3.org/TR/2004/WD-rdf-sparql-query-20041012/) 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. FactGrid 7. National Library of Israel 8. KBpedia 9. [C41009113 | OpenAlex Web](https://explore.openalex.org/concepts/C41009113) 10. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)