Validate RDF files with SHACL in your favourite IDE

2023-09-30 14:00 Articles

We're thrilled to unveil a brand-new feature that simplifies RDF validation with SHACL. Say goodbye to CLI or online tools that you use today and hello to a two-step process that ensures your RDF data adheres to your defined constraints, all within your JetBrains IDE. Let's dive in and discover how this enhancement can streamline your RDF development workflow.

Why Validate RDF with SHACL?

Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let's briefly understand why RDF validation with SHACL is essential. SHACL provides a way to define rules and constraints for RDF data. By validating your RDF data against SHACL shapes, you ensure that it adheres to the defined structure and constraints. This validation process helps you catch errors, ensure data quality, and maintain data integrity. Check out What is SHACL? for a more in-depth introduction to SHACL.

The Two-Step SHACL Validation Process

Step 1: Select RDF Files

The first step in validating your RDF data with SHACL in JetBrains IDE involves selecting the RDF files containing your data and the SHACL shapes you want to apply. Follow these easy steps:

In the Project tool window, select the RDF files that you want to validate. You can select multiple files if needed.
Similarly, select the RDF files that contain the SHACL shapes you want to apply to your RDF data.

A single RDF file may contain both the data to validate and the SHACL shapes, in that case, you select only one file. Actually, you may want to select a folder too if you want to validate a bunch of RDF files.

Step 2: Validate with SHACL

With your RDF files selected, you're ready to validate your RDF data. Here's how to do it:

Right-click on any of the selected files.
In the context menu that appears, look for the RDF and SPARQL -> Validate with SHACL action. Click on it.

As you can see in the animated GIF above, the validation process is quick and seamless. The RDF and SHACL plugin automatically runs the validation checks and provides feedback in the Run tool window. Errors and warnings will be displayed, allowing you to address any issues in your RDF data or SHACL shapes promptly.

Conclusion

With the RDF and SPARQL plugin for JetBrains IDE, validating your RDF data with SHACL has never been easier. Whether you're working with RDF data for semantic web applications, knowledge graphs, or any other use case, this feature ensures that your data adheres to the defined constraints, reducing errors and improving the overall reliability of your RDF-based projects.

Don't miss out on the latest advancements in RDF and SHACL validation. Upgrade your JetBrains IDE and explore this feature today to take your RDF development to the next level. Happy RDF modelling and validating!