Wikidata is a project by the Wikimedia Foundation that functions as a central repository for structured data. It aggregates and organizes information so that it can be easily accessed and utilized by Wikimedia sister projects, including Wikipedia. Wikidata aims to provide a common source of data that can support a multitude of applications, enhancing the interconnectedness and reliability of information available on these platforms.
Structured Data
What is Structured Data?
Structured data refers to information that is organized in a specific and searchable way, typically within a database. This data format allows for efficient querying and retrieval, facilitating the integration of datasets across varied applications.
Benefits for Wikimedia Projects
By centralizing data, Wikidata enables the seamless updating and synchronization of information across all Wikimedia projects. Once an element of data is updated in Wikidata, the new information is automatically reflected across all associated projects.
History of Wikidata
Origins and Launch
Wikidata was launched on October 29, 2012, aiming to replicate the collaborative spirit of Wikipedia while focusing on data rather than text. Its initial development was funded by donations from institutions such as the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and Google Inc.
Evolution and Growth
From its inception, Wikidata has grown exponentially. This vast collaborative database now hosts millions of data items, encompassing various subjects including geography, history, biology, and more.
Applicability
Enhancing Wikipedia
For instance, consider a Wikipedia page about a historical event. By linking information to Wikidata entries, editors ensure that any updates to the event’s details—such as dates, participants, or outcomes—are consistent across all related articles in multiple languages.
Support for Other Projects
Moreover, Wikidata supports projects like Wikimedia Commons, Wikivoyage, Wikiquote, and others by providing a rich, interconnected source of structured data, shearing the need for manual updates and fostering consistency.
Comparison with Other Databases
Freebase
Google’s now-defunct Freebase was similar in its mission to provide a comprehensive, structured database. However, upon the discontinuation of Freebase, many of its data points were migrated to Wikidata, further enriching its repository.
DBpedia
DBpedia extracts structured data from Wikipedia. Although similar, DBpedia and Wikidata serve slightly different roles, with Wikidata being a master source of data that is directly editable by users.
Related Terms
- Wikipedia: Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia with articles written collaboratively by volunteers. It primarily focuses on text-based articles.
- Wikimedia Commons: Wikimedia Commons is a repository for freely usable media files, including images, sound files, and video clips.
- Ontology: In the context of databases, an ontology is a formal representation of knowledge as a set of concepts and the relationships between those concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of data does Wikidata hold?
Wikidata holds structured data that includes everything from numerical data to text metadata, such as dates, geographic coordinates, and subject classifications.
Can anyone contribute to Wikidata?
Yes, Wikidata operates on the principle of collaborative contribution. Anyone can add, modify, or delete data entries, subject to community review and guidelines.
How is Wikidata different from Wikipedia?
Wikidata focuses on structured data entry and its centralized functionality, whereas Wikipedia focuses on collaboratively written encyclopedia articles.
References
- Wikimedia Foundation. (n.d.). Wikidata. Retrieved from Wikimedia Foundation website.
- Vrandečić, D., & Krötzsch, M. (2014). Wikidata: A Free Collaborative Knowledge Base. Communications of the ACM, 57(10), 78-85.
Summary
Wikidata is an integral project of the Wikimedia Foundation designed to serve as a centralized repository of structured data. By facilitating data consistency, ensuring reliability, and simplifying updates, it enhances the capabilities of various Wikimedia projects and contributes significantly to the broader information ecosystem.
Through community collaboration and the support of structured data principles, Wikidata remains a pivotal resource in the realm of free information sharing, enabling seamless interconnection and data integration across platforms.
