In the previous lesson, you learned how to query data in an Aura database.
In this lesson, you will learn how to:
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Connect to your Aura instance using the integrated explore tool
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Explore and visualize your data without needing to write Cypher queries
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Understand the differences between the Query Tool and the Explore Tool
Quick introduction
The Explore tool is a powerful interface for visualizing and exploring your graph data. It allows you to interact with your data in a more intuitive way, without needing to write Cypher queries. You can search for nodes and relationships, visualize them, and even edit the graph directly.
Before diving into the integrated explore tool, note that you can also use Neo4j Bloom. You connect to the instance using the credentials and carry on from there.
Connecting
Open the Aura console and select the instance you want to connect to.
Before you click on the Explore option, check that the data from the previous lesson has been loaded.
Explore
The Explore tool is now available in the Aura console. Click on the Explore option in the left-hand menu.
Click the Run button or press Ctrl+Enter to execute the search.
You may have to zoom in a bit before the details are shown.
Notice that your styling choices are kept between runs and can even be shared with other users, using the Perspectives feature.
Differences
The Explore tool is designed for users who may not be familiar with Cypher syntax or prefer a more visual approach to exploring their data. It provides several advantages over the Query Tool:
* No Cypher knowledge required: You can explore your data without needing to write Cypher queries.
* Visual exploration: You can interact with your data visually, making it easier to understand relationships and patterns.
* Editing capabilities: You can edit nodes and relationships directly in the graph view, without needing to write Cypher commands.
* Perspectives: You can create and share perspectives, which are predefined views of your data that can include specific search phrases and styling options.
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Exploration is possible without knowing Cypher syntax (1).
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Further exploration is possible from an initial set of results (via contextmenu on the nodes).
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Editing the graph is possible without knowing Cypher syntax (2).
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Customization is possible through the use of perspectives and scenes. This goes beyond mere styling and can include defined parametrized queries (3). Perspectives can be shared. This allows for a uniform experience in an organization.
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Whereas the query tool is fit for maybe a few hundred nodes and relationships, explore can easily manage thousands.
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The model has to be understood. You can explore the data knowing what the database holds and how it is organized.
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Security does apply. If the user’s role does not allow editing the database this step will not work. The user will be informed about that.
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Defining these queries (also known as search phrases) does require knowledge of Cypher syntax. As the perspectives can be shared, not everybody needs to have that knowledge.
The Explore tool is a powerful way to visualize and interact with your graph data. It is particularly useful for business users and analysts who want to explore data without needing to write complex queries.
For more information on how to use the Explore tool, you can refer to the [Neo4j Aura documentation](https://neo4j.com/docs/aura-user-guide/current/explore).
Explore/Bloom is NOT an application development enviroment!
It is a tool for exploring and visualizing data. If you want to build applications that interact with Neo4j, you should use the Query Tool or one of the Neo4j drivers.
Check your understanding
What is the purpose of the integrated explore tool in the Aura console?
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✓ The integrated explore tool aims at the business user that doesn’t understand the Cypher syntax but does know the underlying model of the data.
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❏ The integrated explore tool has no aim at all. It’s just eye candy showing bubbles and arrows to draw people in.
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❏ The integrated explore tool aims at the power users (developers, DBAs) that are willing to learn the Cypher syntax. It’s their tool of choice to interact with the database.
Hint
Think about who would benefit the most from a visual exploration tool that doesn’t require knowledge of Cypher.
Solution
The integrated explore tool aims at the business user that doesn’t understand the Cypher syntax but does know the underlying model of the data. It provides a visual interface for exploring the data without requiring knowledge of the query language.
Summary
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In this lesson you learned how to use the integrated explore tool in the Aura console to connect to your database instance, explore your data visually, and understand the differences between the Query Tool and the Explore Tool.
In the next lesson, you will explore the dashboard tool to create visual representations of your data.
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