Cargo vs Semantic MediaWiki vs Wikibase

Benefits of Cargo

The main reason for creating Cargo was to provide a more straightforward way of managing data and to create an alternative to Semantic MediaWiki.

Cargo's purpose is to be simple in terms of use and codebase. It accomplishes this by tying together templates and data storage by storing data in database tables based on those templates. Doing so allows users to query data via SQL snippets instead of a dedicated query language with SMW. Cargo allows users to run SQL queries against structured data stored in their wiki from within their wiki or another application.

Working in tight collaboration with Cargo developers, WikiTeq can evaluate if there are advantages in using Cargo for your data structure and data management workflows. If so, we’ll be happy to build the Cargo-based solution for your MediaWiki.

Benefits of Semantic MediaWiki

The standard software for managing data in wikis is Semantic MediaWiki. It has by far the largest ecosystem and the most extensive assortment of features which has been continuously developed since 2005.

The purpose of SMW is “to allow users to improve the structure and organization of the knowledge in a wiki by adding simple, machine-processable information to wiki articles” . SMW provides syntax to create ontologies, to store and retrieve data, and print it in a variety of formats (lists, tables, tagclouds, timelines, calendars, graphs, maps, etc.)

At WikiTeq, we have extensive knowledge and experience in building and hosting Semantic MediaWiki-based stacks. Whether you are looking for a self-hosted or a monthly hosting solution, we are here to help. Have questions or need custom development?

Using Wikibase

“Wikibase is not for everybody, though.” – mediawiki.org

Wikimedia Deutschland developed Wikibase for Wikidata with a different use case in mind than Cargo and Semantic MediaWiki. It is not meant for storing and using data within the wiki itself but instead for collaboration and organization of data to be used by third parties. This makes Wikibase a popular choice for various GLAM organizations.

Running your own Wikibase helps to keep control over your data while contributing to the distributed world of open knowledge, not to the central repository. It might make even more sense, as uploading to Wikidata isn't that simple.

Since Wikidata is the main priority for Wikibase, it can be a difficult task to set it up and use it. There are no upgrade instructions or stable releases, and although Wikimedia recently discussed supporting third parties, the extent of the support is yet to be seen. If you think your project is a good fit for Wikibase software, contact a developer like us for a free consultation.