Getting Started with the Graph Query Language (GQL)

Learn how to build and query graph databases with this first comprehensive guide to ISO-standard GQL, featuring 50+ hands-on examples and a real-world case study that will change the way you work with connected data

Free with your book: DRM-free PDF version + access to Packt's next-gen Reader*

Key Features:

- Go beyond theory and apply key concepts and syntax through interactive tutorials and practical examples via the GQL Playground

- Leverage advanced features of GQL to manipulate graph data efficiently

- Explore GQL applications in data analytics and discover how to leverage graph knowledge in real-world scenarios

- Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description:

Graph Query Language is becoming the go-to standard for graph databases, especially with its support for interconnected analytics and GenAI capabilities. This book comes from a team of industry veterans who know exactly how to break down the fundamental GQL concepts, graph terms, definitions, catalog systems, and everything that matters in actual work.

You'll get to grips with graph data types, value expressions, graph matching patterns, and modifying statements through practical GQL examples.

Once you've got the basics down, you'll tackle advanced GQL topics such as path modes, complex path matching patterns, shortest path queries, composite statements, session and transaction commands, and procedures. You'll also learn to create extensions and understand the design of graph databases to solve industry issues. The authors cover techniques like property graphs to help you optimize your graph queries and offer insights into the future of GQL and graph technology.

By the end of this book, you'll confidently query and update graph data, run graph algorithms, create visualizations, and apply your learnings to a real-world use case of money flow analysis for assessing bank client behaviors and detecting transaction risks.

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What You Will Learn:

- Experiment with GQL syntax on GQL Playground, including MATCH, RETURN, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE

- Work with operators, functions, and variables in an organized fashion

- Become familiar with complex topics such as varying path matching modes, repeated variables, shortest path, procedures, and transactions

- Enhance execution speed through indexing or caching systems

- Understand how to manage access control effectively

- Tackle real-world issues with a case study focused on money transaction analytics

Who this book is for:

This book is for graph database developers, DBAs, programmers, data engineers, and analysts who want to learn the new graph database standard GQL. A basic understanding of graph and relational databases, data models, knowledge of SQL basics, and programming will make the content easy to grasp. While it is designed to be accessible even if you don't have a background in graph theory, familiarity with concepts like nodes, edges, relationships, and the distinction between directed and undirected graphs will enhance your learning experience.

Table of Contents

- Evolution Towards Graph Databases

- Key Concepts of GQL

- Getting Started

- Basic GQL Statements

- Operators and Logical Control

- Functions

- Advanced Clauses

- Transaction Management

- Sessions Management

- Conformance to GQL Standard

- Beyond the GQL Standard

- A Case Study

- The Evolving Landscape of GQL

- Glossary and Resources