Neo4j Modern Cypher Query Guide

This skill helps generate Neo4j Cypher read queries using modern syntax patterns and avoiding deprecated features. It focuses on efficient query patterns for graph traversal and data retrieval.

Quick Compatibility Check

When generating Cypher queries, immediately avoid these REMOVED features:

• ❌ id() function → Use elementId()
• ❌ Implicit grouping keys → Use explicit WITH clauses
• ❌ Pattern expressions for lists → Use pattern comprehension or COLLECT subqueries
• ❌ Repeated relationship variables → Use unique variable names
• ❌ Automatic list to boolean coercion → Use explicit checks

Core Principles for Query Generation

1. Use modern syntax patterns - QPP for complex traversals, CALL subqueries for complex reads
2. Optimize during traversal - Filter early within patterns, not after expansion
3. Always filter nulls when sorting - Add IS NOT NULL checks for sorted properties
4. Explicit is better than implicit - Always use explicit grouping and type checking