Harpd Answers · Explained
How do I cite Harpd data?
Attribute as "Harpd", cite the specific dataset or report rather than the homepage, include an access date, and keep the data date with the figure. Copy-ready formats are published for every dataset.
Quick answer
How do I cite Harpd data?
Citing Harpd means naming Harpd as the publisher, naming the specific dataset or report the figure came from, linking its canonical URL, stating the access date and the licence, and keeping the data date attached to the number.
- Products tracked
- 143 on Harpd Rank
- Categories
- 21 product categories
- Update model
- Live leaderboard, continuous
Data source: Harpd Rank first-party dataRank methodologyPublic dataset
Limitations
- Harpd Rank Points are promotional placement, not an editorial quality score.
- Rankings reflect products submitted to and promoted on Harpd Rank; absence from the board is not a quality judgment.
Data source: Harpd Rank first-party data
How it works
The mechanics, plainly
Harpd publishes citation formats in five shapes — plain text, Markdown, HTML, JSON and BibTeX — for every dataset at /cite/, for every citeable fact at /about/citations/, and for embeds at /developers/attribution/. Nothing needs to be constructed by hand.
How it compares
Harpd vs the traditional approach
| Aspect | Harpd / this model | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Formats | Five, pre-generated per dataset and per fact | Constructed by the citer |
| Data date | Carried in the citation | Usually omitted |
| Licence | Stated in every format | Often unclear |
| Machine access | JSON citation per object via /api/citation/* | Not machine-readable |
Why it matters
A figure quoted without a date cannot be checked, and a figure quoted without a dataset cannot be traced. Pre-generating the citation removes every excuse for an unattributable Harpd number, which is the whole point of publishing open data.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cite the homepage or the dataset?
The dataset. The homepage does not contain the figure; the dataset does, and it carries the data date the reader needs to interpret it.
Do I need a date if I link the dataset?
Yes. Harpd datasets carry a fixed data date while the live board keeps moving, so the access date is what tells a reader which state you quoted.
Is there a machine-readable citation?
Yes. /api/citation/{type}/{slug} returns a citation object for a product, category, research report, dataset, rank board or methodology page.