Mastering Neo4j

Course Duration: 3 Days

Course Description:

This intensive 3-day course provides a comprehensive overview of Neo4j, a leading graph database. You will learn the fundamentals of graph databases, the Cypher query language, and how to apply Neo4j to solve real-world problems. Through hands-on exercises and practical examples, you will gain the skills necessary to effectively leverage Neo4j in your projects.

Target Audience:

• Software Engineers

• Data Engineers

• Data Scientists

• Data Analysts

• Anyone interested in graph databases and their applications

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core concepts of graph databases and their advantages.

• Install and configure Neo4j.

• Work effectively with the Cypher query language.

• Model and load data into a Neo4j graph.

• Perform complex graph traversals and data analysis using Cypher.

• Understand and apply graph algorithms (e.g., shortest path, centrality).

• Design and implement basic graph-based applications.

• Troubleshoot common issues and optimize Neo4j queries.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Graph Databases & Neo4j Fundamentals

• Introduction to Graph Databases:

  • What are graph databases?

  • Key concepts: Nodes, relationships, properties

  • Advantages of graph databases over relational databases

  • Use cases for graph databases (social networks, recommendation systems, fraud detection)

• Introduction to Neo4j:

  • Neo4j architecture and features

  • Installation and setup of Neo4j

  • Working with the Neo4j browser

  • Basic Cypher commands: CREATE, MATCH, RETURN

  • Hands-on Exercise: Creating a simple graph model

Day 2: Cypher Query Language & Graph Traversal

• Cypher: Advanced Queries:

  • Relationships, properties, and labels

  • Filtering data with WHERE clause

  • Pattern matching: Finding paths and connections

  • Variable-length paths and relationships

  • Aggregations and projections

  • Hands-on Exercise: Building complex queries for a social network graph

• Graph Traversal Algorithms:

  • Shortest path algorithms

  • Breadth-first search (BFS) and Depth-first search (DFS)

  • Centrality measures (degree centrality, betweenness centrality)

  • Hands-on Exercise: Implementing graph algorithms using Cypher

Day 3: Advanced Topics & Best Practices

• Data Modeling for Graphs:

  • Designing efficient graph schemas

  • Considerations for scalability and performance

  • Case studies: Graph modeling for real-world scenarios

• Neo4j Administration:

  • User management and access control

  • Performance tuning and optimization

  • Backup and recovery

• Integration with Other Systems:

  • Connecting Neo4j with other data sources

  • Building applications with Neo4j

  • Best practices for developing graph applications

  • Q&A and Wrap-up

Note:

• This 3-day outline focuses on the core concepts and essential applications of Neo4j.

• Hands-on exercises and real-world examples are crucial for effective learning and will be incorporated throughout the course.

• This course provides a solid foundation in graph databases and their applications using Neo4j.