Run blazingly fast queries on complex graph datasets with the power of the Neo4j graph databaseAbout This BookGet acquainted with graph database systems and apply them in real-world use casesGet started with Neo4j, a unique NOSQL database system that focuses on tackling data complexityA practical guide filled with sample queries, installation procedures, and useful pointers to other information sourcesWho This Book Is ForThis book is for developers who want an alternative way to store and process data within their applications. No previous graph database experience is required; however, some basic database knowledge will help you understand the concepts more easily.
What You Will LearnBackground and specifications of graph databasesInstall Neo4j on a variety of different platforms, locally and in the cloudModel data for a graph database such as Neo4jImport data into Neo4jLearn about sample use cases for Neo4jDiscover the advantages of graph databases versus other database modelsFind out where you can find additional information on Neo4jIn DetailLearning Neo4j provides you with a step-by-step approach of adopting Neo4j, the world's leading graph database. This book includes a lot of background information, helps you grasp the fundamental concepts behind this radical new way of dealing with connected data, and will give you lots of examples of use cases and environments where a graph database would be a great fit.
Starting with a brief introduction to graph theory, this book will show you the advantages of using graph databases. Following on from that, you will be introduced to Neo4j and you will be shown how to install Neo4j on various operating systems. You will then be shown how you can model and import your data into Neo4j.
This book has two use case examples that will show you how to model and implement a graph in Neo4j by analyzing a user case, and analyze the impact a change has on a process or a system. You will also gain an insight into graph visualization options for Neo4j and discover external sources where you can learn more about Neo4j.
Disclaimer: I am a volunteer reviewer for Manning Publications and was given a free eBook of Learning Neo4j for my review. Reading this book has been a pleasure, since it didn't seem a technical book form the beginning, where the author explained some graph theory in order to allow the reader to understand the different point of view about databases. The Cypher declarative query language is introduced and explained along with a comprehensive appendix containing most of the constructs to query the database. It is a good starting point to install and begin to be productive and it comes with a lot of links to new material and a lot of examples and real case scenarios.
One of the fascinated technical books I have ever read, while not difficult to understand (hint: Neo4J is well put together), it is very informative, yet elegantly written that to an able to learn on its own reader can open a whole slew of possibilities and opportunities.
I need to step back and tell that I approached this book initially with some scepticism, and while I was on the very first pages of it one of my co-workers pryingly glanced over my shoulder and asked, what are you reading? I replied: “it is a book on a Graph database called Neo4J”. His reaction was, “I did not even know there are such a database type!”. As a database professional though I felt obliged to make myself aware and somewhat educated on alternative or niche databases, this is what I thought then, but now… read on.
Ric Van Bruggen is definitely in love with Neo4J, but he is also a talented teacher, this book could much less of a technical reference than it is without him. Ric tastefully expands from the history and basics of Graph databases up to very practical, yet advance usages and ends the book with the tools ecosystem and even a neat Cypher ref-card. Besides, I think Cypher is the cornerstone to the successful operation of Neo4J. For the impatient reader, Cypher to Neo4J is as SQL to RDBMS’.
The book reads like a story, it gradually builds your level of knowledge and at the same time makes you “feel at home” with Neo4J, it is a very welcoming database.
My interest grew with every page I flipped.
The database gets easily installed on any platform, and for the record, its graphing (visual) abilities are stunning! It can also output data in the tabular form. Yet, based on what Ric stated it is VERY fast – he processed 2.1 mil nodes in under 50 sec on a laptop (disclaimer: I did not run any Cypher code, but I am planning to).
This book, especially its chapters 6 and 7 (use case examples), were of immense interest to me, the Recommendation Engine, Impact Analysis I loved both a lot. I think my case using Neo4J will be on finding the best driving path (based on more than 2 factors) that I want to experiment with.
I figured, Neo4J is supported by a vast number of enterprise grade tools comprising a serious ecosystem in which Neo4J strives to take on new heights.
After reading this book I must say the Graph Databases are seriously overlooked.
Well done, Ric, Packt and etc. A 5 out of 5 from me!
Learning Neo4j available at https://www.packtpub.com/big-data-and... is one of the interesting books I have come across in recent times. To my surprise, it has all ingredients for the beginners as well as for practitioner. History of graphs and usage of graph theory are perfect for any beginner. Complete graphical representation deserves thumbs up. Sequence of explanation is very important. It includes navigational databases, relational databases and finally nosql databases in detail and then describes overall importance of Graph databases. This background makes reader well equipped to deal with the the main topic of the book and that is neo4j database. It starts from features, license options and installation on different flavor of operating systems and that is good enough for any beginner to start with. For practitioners, I felt Use Case Example – Impact Analysis and Simulation and recommendations will be very useful and hence I firmly believe that this books will attract people from different levels. One of the most interesting part of the book is how it fits with existing tools. It gives reader proper idea on how to use it combining different tools for analytics or data integration. Small but significant portion of Test questions was an eye catching part with summary section in all the chapters. Graphical representation and step by step explanation makes it easier to read and understand and that aspect has been taken care of in this book very intelligently. Though I though more in depth details should have been there but at Learning level, sufficient information is available.
I read this book after I taking an introductory class with Rik recently and wasn't disappointed. The book is a great way to get started with graph databases. Still, while it is aimed at beginners, important topics such as data integration and synchronization are also covered. Rik does a great job relating the concepts to concrete business use cases, which is something many technical books fail to do.
Good book as starting point in neo4j learning curve. Looking at neo4j from the use case point is very good for experienced users who want to know if db fits their needs. Also part with pros and cons is very good.