A Programmable Web: An Unfinished Work

by Aaron Swartz

This short work is the first draft of a book manuscript by Aaron Swartz written for the series "Synthesis Lectures on the Semantic Web" at the invitation of its editor, James Hendler. Unfortunately, the book wasn't completed before Aaron's death in January 2013. As a tribute, the editor and publisher are publishing the work digitally without cost.

Genres: Web, Nonfiction

64 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Aaron Swartz was an American computer programmer, a writer, a political organizer, and an Internet hacktivist. He was involved in the development of RSS, Creative Commons, web.py, and Reddit. He helped launch the Progressive Change Campaign Committee in 2009 and founded the online group Demand Progress.

Reviews

[Sid S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written words will woefully whisper what worldly wisdom was wiped when Aaron wholly withered wayward while writing witty 'Web' works whose wordplay's worth worshiping :'(

This is one of the best things I've ever read. I knew he was an impeccable hacker and activist. I now know him as an educator and a harbinger of good mindful practices.

The very least I can do to celebrate his ideas is tell people about his work. This review is an effort in that direction.

This book describes the design decisions that went into the Web and how it is upon us to acknowledge good practices for a saner smarter web in the future. It finishes prematurely but that's because the Internet's Own Boy left us at the tender age of 28 while being involved with lots of projects (Reddit, web.py, RSS, Stopping SOPA, Guerilla Open Access Manifesto). Absolutely absolutely recommended above all other books. I'll also highly recommend everyone to read his blog. He was way way wise for his years. And he will live on forever, through the Web!

[Indaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though still a draft, this is worth reading. Just a review of what Aaron Swartz's opinions on semantic web should look life. He clearly despise the idea of controlling and putting the standard that could hindered the creativity of the people developing.

[Shiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though still a draft, this is worth reading. Just a review of what Aaron Swartz's opinions on semantic web should look life. He clearly despise the idea of controlling and putting the standard that could hindered the creativity of the people developing.

[Sefa]

Unfinished work by Aaron Swartz on semantic web, designing URLs, APIs and open source. It's a draft but still very useful read.

[Rasan Samarasinghe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book.. and we miss the legend Aaron Swartz.