Beyond the relational database: neo4j Training Course

Relational, table-based databases such as Oracle and MySQL have long been the standard for organizing and storing data. However, the growing size and fluidity of data have made it difficult for these traditional systems to efficiently execute highly complex queries on the data. Imagine replacing rows-and-columns-based data storage with object-based data storage, whereby entities (e.g., a person) could be stored as data nodes, then easily queried on the basis of their vast, multi-linear relationship with other nodes. And imagine querying these connections and their associated objects and properties using a compact syntax, up to 20 times lighter than SQL? This is what graph databases, such as neo4j offer.

In this hands-on course, we will set up a live project and put into practice the skills to model, manage and access your data. We contrast and compare graph databases with SQL-based databases as well as other NoSQL databases and clarify when and where it makes sense to implement each within your existing infrastructure.

Getting started with neo4j

• neo4j vs relational databases
• neo4j vs other NoSQL databases
• Using neo4j to solve real world problems
• Installing neo4j

Data modeling with neo4j

• Mapping white-board diagrams and mind maps to neo4j

Working with nodes

• Creating, changing and deleting nodes
• Defining node properties

Node relationships

• Creating and deleting relationships
• Bi-directional relationships

Querying your data with Cypher

• Querying your data based on relationships
• MATCH, RETURN, WHERE, REMOVE, MERGE, etc.
• Setting indexes and constraints

Working with the REST API

• REST operations on nodes
• REST operations on relationships
• REST operations on indexes and constraints

Accessing the core API for application development

• Working with NET, Java, Javascript, Python APIs

Closing remarks