Wikidata stands as part of the Wikimedia family and serves as a sister project to Wikipedia, designed specifically for data. It functions like Wikipedia but focuses on data, rapidly growing as the world’s largest and most popular source of open data covering people, places, things, art, and literature. On the Welsh Wikipedia, Wikidata generates lists and infoboxes automatically, ensuring data only needs addition and updates in one central location for display across Wikipedia articles in any language.
Wikidata as Linked Data
Wikidata operates as linked data, where every piece of data carries a unique identifier known as a Q number. Data appears in statements or triples, such as Jason works at the National Library of Wales or Aaron was born in Bangor. This structure renders data both machine-readable and human-readable while enabling connections across all data points.
For instance, both individuals work as Wikimedia UK in residence, with their employers located in Wales. Many entities already possess structured data on Wikidata, allowing linkage for complex queries like listing all castles in Wales or identifying poets from Bangor University.
Wikidata Query Tools
Wikidata offers a query service along with tools for asking complex questions and visualizing data. Examples include queries for lists of castles in Wales or poets who attended Bangor University. Every piece of data in Wikidata supports descriptions in nearly 300 languages used on Wikipedia, through added multilingual labels.
Open Data Applications
This massive open database suits research, sharing data openly and reusably, and powering apps and websites. Unlike Wikipedia, anyone can add or edit data on Wikidata, including importing or exporting entire datasets via its suite of tools.
Wikidata keeps Wikipedia current and facilitates open data sharing for universal use in any language. It connects personal data with shared global data, forming one interconnected database.
Benefits of Wikidata Usage
Wikidata addresses key questions and delivers needed information with open access for unrestricted use. Head to wikidata.org for more details on what is Wikidata and its capabilities.
In summary, Wikidata enhances data management across Wikimedia projects through its structured, linked approach, supporting queries, multilingual access, and broad reusability.