OntologyData Model10 min read
Ontologies vs Data Models in Graphs — Part 2: Graph Data Models Deep Dive
Part 2 of 4 in our series on understanding the foundational concepts that power knowledge graphs
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Part 2 of 4 in our series on understanding the foundational concepts that power knowledge graphs
When you enter the world of graphs and knowledge graphs, two terms appear constantly: **ontology** and **data model**. Sometimes they're used interchangeably. Sometimes they seem like completely different things. This confusion isn't just academic—understanding the distinction directly impacts how you design, build, and reason about graph-based systems. This guide unpacks both concepts, explores the major graph data models you'll encounter, and shows how ontologies and data models work together to create powerful knowledge systems.