Learn CYPHER with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 18, 2025
Architecture
Cypher queries run on Neo4j’s graph engine
Index-based lookups for efficient node scans
Native graph storage and traversal engine
APOC and GDS extend Cypher’s capabilities
Client access via Bolt protocol
Rendering Model
Parser interprets Cypher query
Planner selects optimal traversal plan
Graph engine performs index or label scan
Traversals executed and returned
Architectural Patterns
Native graph storage
Property graph model
Pattern-matching semantics
Multi-hop relational traversal
Real World Architectures
Fraud graph systems
Social network graph pipelines
Recommendation microservices
Knowledge graph backends
Design Principles
Intuitive pattern representation
Declarative graph processing
High-performance traversal engine
Schema-optional graph modeling
Scalability Guide
Use indexes for lookup-heavy queries
Cluster with Neo4j Enterprise
Optimize patterns to avoid full scans
Use GDS for heavy analytics
Migration Guide
Convert relational JOINs into relationships
Migrate tables -> nodes and relationships
Optimize with constraints/indexes
Rewrite SQL logic using MATCH patterns