google is deprecating the structured data testing tool, we need to update the link

[jspaaks]

e.g. https://search.google.com/structured-data/testing-tool#url=https%3A%2F%2Fresearch-software.nl%2Fsoftware%2Fesmvaltool

[c-martinez]

Should we update the text in the website to recommend using Rich Results Test instead?

[jspaaks]

I was hesitant to make that change, because for whatever reason it does not recognize the schema.org metadata of type SoftwareSourceCode, it only sees the breadcrumbs on the link above.

It seems the closest schema.org item that is supported by the Rich Results representation is SoftwareApp https://developers.google.com/search/docs/data-types/software-app (for the Research Software Directory, we use SoftwareSourceCode to describe items; I think that will also be the appropriate descriptor for most visitors of the fair-software.nl site).

[c-martinez]

So Rich Results is not a good replacement for structured data testing tool, correct?

Is there other alternative?

If not, can we leave the recommendation to use structured data testing tool until a better alternative comes up?

[jspaaks]

Internet grapevine says schema.org will take over https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2020/12/structured-data-testing-tool-update

[c-martinez]

Ok, so it sounds like we could update the link to wherever they move the tool (under schema.org). Correct?

[jspaaks]

I expect so, let's wait and see what happens come April

[jspaaks]

Looks like it worked https://validator.schema.org/?hl=en-US