Importing CSV data into Neo4j

Who this course is for

This course is for developers and data engineers who want full control over how data enters Neo4j: you have used the Data ImporteriFull definition for Data Importer (opens in a new tab)The Neo4j tool for loading CSV files into a graph by mapping their columns onto nodes and relationships. and hit its limits, or you need an import you can script, version, review, and re-run as part of a pipeline. It also suits anyone preparing to load their own data, which arrives with inconsistent types, multi-value columns, and rows that map to more than one labeliFull definition for label (opens in a new tab)A tag on a node that groups it with other nodes of the same kind. A node can carry more than one. - this course deals with each of those problems directly. You should be comfortable with the basics from Neo4j Fundamentals, Cypher Fundamentals, and Graph Data Modeling Fundamentals before you start; if you want a gentler introduction to importing first, take Importing Data Fundamentals.

What you'll do

This is a hands-on course. You will work in an empty Neo4j instance and build the graph yourself, one CypheriFull definition for Cypher (opens in a new tab)Neo4j's implementation of GQL, the ISO standard query language for graph databases. It is declarative: you describe the pattern to find, and the database decides how to find it. statement at a time. You will start by inspecting the source CSV files and understanding how their structure maps onto a graph model, write LOAD CSV clauses that read files by URL and iterate over rows, then point the same syntax at a CSV file of your own to prove the technique transfers.

From there you will create Movie and Person nodesiFull definition for node (opens in a new tab)A vertex in a graph. In a property graph it can carry labels and properties. with MERGE, define unique identifiers backed by constraintsiFull definition for constraint (opens in a new tab)A rule the database enforces on every node or relationship with a given label or type, rejecting any write that breaks it., and connect nodes with ACTED_IN and DIRECTED relationshipsiFull definition for relationship (opens in a new tab)A named, directed connection between two nodes. Every relationship has a type, a start node and an end node.. You will improve the data quality of what you have loaded: casting numeric strings with toInteger() and toFloat(), converting date strings to date values, splitting a delimited column into a list propertyiFull definition for property (opens in a new tab)A named value stored on a node or a relationship., and adding an extra Director labeliFull definition for label (opens in a new tab)A tag on a node that groups it with other nodes of the same kind. A node can carry more than one.. Finally, you will confront larger imports: batching work with CALL { ... } IN TRANSACTIONS so a million-row file does not exhaust memory, and splitting an import into multiple passes to avoid the Eager operator.

Where to go next

With the fundamentals of Cypher-based importing in place, LOAD CSV Data Import is a hands-on lab where you build a complete import pipeline, including idempotent statements you can safely re-run and techniques for handling missing data, and Cypher Intermediate Queries sharpens the query skills you will use to validate the data you import. Importing data with CypheriFull definition for Cypher (opens in a new tab)Neo4j's implementation of GQL, the ISO standard query language for graph databases. It is declarative: you describe the pattern to find, and the database decides how to find it. is also covered on the Neo4j Certified Professional exam, so completing this course moves you a step closer to certification.