RedStore

RedStore is a free, self-hosted RDF triplestore written in C with the Redland library. It provides an HTTP interface and built-in server, and supports SPARQL 1.0 Query, SPARQL 1.1 Protocol for RDF, SPARQL 1.1 Graph Store HTTP Protocol, and SPARQL 1.1 Service Description. The project describes support for a wide range of RDF formats, including Turtle. Storage options include hashes, MySQL, memory, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Virtuoso, with hashes as the default; a module must support contexts. Data can be loaded from a URI at startup or submitted as RDF files through HTTP PUT. The /sparql endpoint can be queried using the SPARQL Query Tool, while rdfproc supports offline operations. Redland is the only runtime dependency identified, with minimum versions of raptor2 2.0.4, rasqal 0.9.27, and redland 1.0.14. Installation uses configure, make, and make install. RedStore supports Linux, macOS, API use, and self-hosted deployment, and the project says a Mac OS X app is available. It is distributed under GPL version 3 or later.

RedStore offers HTTP access, SPARQL support, and several storage choices for RDF data. Users should account for its library requirements and build-based installation.

RedStore suits developers or administrators who want to host an RDF store and work with SPARQL over HTTP. Its storage modules and offline tool support different deployment and operation needs.

RedStore is a lightweight, self-hosted RDF triplestore in C for developers who need standards-based HTTP and SPARQL access to graph data. It is best for teams comfortable compiling software and maintaining Redland dependencies; organizations seeking managed deployment should look elsewhere.

Overview

RedStore combines RDF storage with a built-in HTTP server, allowing applications to load and query data over network protocols rather than relying solely on local database tools. It is free software under the GNU General Public License version 3 or any later version at the user's option. Self-hosting keeps deployment under your control, but you are responsible for installation, runtime libraries, upgrades, and operations.

Key features

HTTP and SPARQL

The server implements SPARQL 1.0 Query plus the SPARQL 1.1 Protocol for RDF, Graph Store HTTP Protocol, and Service Description. It can load a URI during startup or receive RDF files through HTTP PUT, while the /sparql endpoint handles queries. This is a strong fit for services that need interoperable HTTP access to RDF; it is less compelling if your application does not use those standards.

Storage choices

Redland modules provide hashes, MySQL, memory, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Virtuoso backends when the chosen module supports contexts. Hashes is the default, giving a simple starting point, while SQL and Virtuoso options can align with existing infrastructure. The flexibility is conditional on Redland module compatibility, so it does not remove backend-selection and configuration work.

Formats and offline work

RedStore handles a wide range of RDF formats, including Turtle, and works with the rdfproc command-line tool for offline operations. That combination suits pipelines that alternate between HTTP service access and scripted maintenance.

Build and dependencies

Installation follows the conventional configure, make, and make install sequence. Redland is the only runtime dependency, but the listed minimum library versions are raptor2 2.0.4, rasqal 0.9.27, and redland 1.0.14. These requirements make RedStore approachable to experienced Unix developers, while teams wanting a packaged, low-maintenance deployment face more setup work. A unit and integration test suite is included.

Pricing

There is no paid tier or free trial. The zero-cost plan is appropriate for personal projects, prototypes, and production teams able to provide their own infrastructure and support. It includes the complete RedStore software, but self-hosting means hosting and operational costs remain yours; no seats, quotas, or renewal charges are specified.

Platforms

RedStore targets API use on Linux and macOS, with self-hosted deployment. The project also says a Mac OS X app is available. Its platform profile favors operators who can build and run server software rather than users seeking a browser-only service.

Who it's for

Choose RedStore for a compact RDF service behind your own infrastructure, especially when SPARQL 1.1 protocols, HTTP loading, or a particular Redland backend matter. It also fits developers who want C-based software and command-line interoperability. Avoid it when you need hosted operations, turnkey installation, or a broad client-platform experience without managing native libraries.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Standards-focused access: Multiple SPARQL 1.1 protocols and a dedicated endpoint support interoperable RDF applications.
• Backend flexibility: Hashes, memory, SQL, and Virtuoso modules accommodate different storage arrangements.
• Useful data workflows: Startup URI loading, HTTP PUT, RDF format support, and rdfproc compatibility cover both service and offline tasks.
• No license fee: The GPL-licensed software costs $0 and has no trial or renewal conditions.

Cons

• Build-oriented deployment: Automake installation and specific raptor2, rasqal, and Redland versions add setup responsibility.
• Self-hosting only: Operators must supply infrastructure, maintenance, and runtime support.
• Backend caveat: Alternative stores work only when their Redland modules support contexts.

Alternatives

Browse the RDF Databases list for more options. BrightstarDB is another free choice with API, mobile, desktop, Windows, Linux, macOS, and self-hosted platforms. Fluree DB suits readers wanting an open-source option with native JSON-LD and SPARQL that can run locally or self-hosted. GraphDB is worth considering when a freemium product with web access and a free-license tier fits better. Tentris offers a free community tier, in-memory storage, transactions, and a free trial. Apache Jena Fuseki is a free Apache-licensed self-hosted server. Apache Rya is a free open-source project distributed as source and a Maven artifact. Dydra provides a freemium route with limited evaluation resources. Eclipse RDF4J is a free Java framework whose latest release requires Java 25 or newer.

Verdict

RedStore is a sensible pick for technically capable developers who want a free, compact RDF triplestore with HTTP, SPARQL, and several Redland-backed storage choices. Its main reason to choose it is standards-oriented self-hosted control; its main reason to look elsewhere is the C/Redland build and maintenance burden.