Introduction to the Semantic Web

This tutorial gives an overview of the basic Semantic Web Technologies developed at W3C. Using practical examples, the fundamentals of the Resource Description Framework (RDF) are presented, together with the mapping of the general RDF principles on XML. Then a detailed overview of RDF Schemas (a.k.a. RDF Vocabulary Description Language) is given, followed by an overview of the Web Ontology Language (OWL). Finally, new technologies, like SPARQL, SKOS, GRDDL, etc, are also presented. The tutorial also gives some guidelines on how Semantic Web programs are developed in practice, gives example for applications, and finally gives some ideas on the directions the technologies evolve at W3C in the coming years. Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge on XML.