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Recommended Versus Mandatory
In line accordance with dcatthe DCAT-ap AP specification, we make distinction distinguish between recommended and mandatory elements components (class, classes and properties). In the following sections, classes and properties are grouped under headings ‘mandatory’, ‘recommended’. In future we might have a third category 'Optional'The subsequent section clarify these components under ‘mandatory’ and ‘recommended’ headings. A third category named 'Optional' may be introduced in the future.
In the context of data exchange scenario, these terms have the following meaningdefinitions apply:
Mandatory class: a receiver of data MUST be able to process information about instances of the class; a sender of data MUST provide information about instances of the class
Recommended class: a sender of data SHOULD provide information about instances of the class; a sender of data MUST provide information about instances of the class, if such information is available; a receiver of data MUST be able to process information about instances of the class.
Optional class: a receiver MUST be able to process information about instances of the class; a sender MAY provide the information but is not obliged to do so.
Mandatory property: a receiver MUST be able to process the information for that property; a sender MUST provide the information for that property.
Recommended property: a receiver MUST be able to process the information for that property; a sender SHOULD provide the information for that property if it is available.
Optional property: a receiver MUST be able to process the information for that property; a sender MAY provide the information for that property but is not obliged to do so.
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