Installing Neo4j on your macOS in 2 mins

What is neo4j?

To put simple analogy: It’s MySql of a graph database which provides a graph database management system, and language to query the database, which is called CYPHER (you can think of an SQL equivalent ), and a visual interface with the neo4j browser.

Now Let’s look at the official definition

Neo4j is an open-source, NoSQL, native graph database that provides an ACID-compliant transactional backend for your applications. The source code, written in Java and Scala, is available for free on GitHub

Neo4j is referred to as a native graph database because it efficiently implements the property graph model down to the storage level. This means that the data is stored exactly as you whiteboard it, and the database uses pointers to navigate and traverse the graph. In contrast to graph processing or in-memory libraries, Neo4j also provides full database characteristics, including ACID transaction compliance, cluster support, and runtime failover making it suitable to use graphs for data in production scenarios.

Let’s get started with Installation

1. Go to https://neo4j.com/download/

2. When you click on Download it will prompt you to fill up a few details

3. You will get .dmg file and activation key

Just Follow the next few clicks (all UI driven) and you are good to go !!

Neo4j Browser (You can select this from gallery icon )

By default, it comes with some example data. To explore this run the below query

$:play movie-graph

Follow this and it will help you to get started with cypher syntax and other basic concepts.

Final Tip :

I strongly believe that the easiest way to get started with your neo4j journey is to start preparing for Neo4j Certified Professional

Why?

1. No cost — it’s completely free!
2. The Neo4j Certification exam tests you in the following areas which are the basic fundamentals which you have to know anyways

• Neo4j property graph model
• Neo4j components used for development
• Cypher queries
• Creating nodes and relationships
• Importing data

3. if you fail to achieve an 80% score, you can retake the certification exam later after learning a bit more about Neo4j ( Unlimited attempts !! )

And As a result, if you pass this you will get a cool neo4j T-shirt and certificate which you can flaunt to the world.