Graph terms and definitions
Graphs come in various types, each with distinct characteristics. GQL primarily focuses on property graphs. Modern graph databases adhere to the property graph model and support both directed and undirected graphs.
Graph element
The GQL standard defines a set of fundamental graph elements, each assigned a standard name and optional aliases that can be selected by implementation providers. For consistency and clarity, this book will use a single confirmed name for each element:
- Node, also known as a vertex: In GQL, a node represents an individual entity in the graph, for example, a person, place, or product. Each node can have zero or more labels that classify its role in the data model and can hold properties as key-value pairs to store metadata or descriptive attributes.
- Edge, also known as a relationship: An edge represents a connection or relationship between two nodes, defining how those entities are related. In GQL, edges can...
