Shape-Based Forms

[james-martin-jd]

Shapes are a way of defining a data structure and constraints of a linked data object. They are a critical component of linked data, allowing different applications to use a shared shape and ensure they are using the same data and format.

Applications can use shapes in various ways, from data validation to UI generation. As part of the SDK, we provide a demonstration of how to use shapes in an application to build a user-facing form, complete with data submission.

We will have a multi-phase approach to shape-based forms. The first phase will provide a component and implementation example of a ShEx shape driving form creation. A UserProfile ShEx shape will be used to create a profile form, and replace the current hardcoded profile form. This shape will match the data browser profile fields, and provide a demonstration of how shapes can be used for form validation and form field creation.

Future phases could include features such as:

• Introducing other shape languages, such as SHACL
• Separating out display data from structural data and constraints
• Providing more form controls and defaults