Question 1

How to import CSV data into Neo4j using shell tools?

Accepted Answer

Use the import-cypher command with a CSV file and a Cypher statement, e.g., 'import-cypher -i data.csv create (n:Person {name: {name}})' to map CSV headers to parameters. Batch size can be adjusted with -b for large files. Ensure indexes are created first for performance.

Question 2

neo4j-shell-tools vs neo4j-admin import for CSV data?

Accepted Answer

neo4j-shell-tools offers more flexibility with custom Cypher logic and multiple formats, while neo4j-admin import is faster for bulk CSV loads but requires specific file structures. Shell tools are better for complex transformations, but neo4j-admin is preferred for large, straightforward migrations in newer versions.

Question 3

Is neo4j-shell-tools compatible with Neo4j 4 or 5?

Accepted Answer

No, it's primarily designed for Neo4j 3.0.1 and may not work with newer versions due to API changes. The project hasn't been updated, so users on recent releases should consider native tools like neo4j-admin or APOC procedures instead.

Question 4

How to export a subgraph to GraphML for Gephi visualization?

Accepted Answer

Use the export-graphml command with an optional Cypher query, e.g., 'export-graphml -o out.graphml match (n:Person)-[r]->() return n,r' to select specific nodes and relationships. The output file can be directly imported into Gephi for analysis.

Question 5

What are the performance trade-offs with binary import/export?

Accepted Answer

Binary export uses Kryo serialization for fast dumps, but imports may require disk caching (-c flag) for large datasets, adding overhead. It's efficient for backups but less interoperable than formats like GraphML or Cypher scripts.

Question 6

How to automate data imports with shell tools in scripts?

Accepted Answer

Install the tools, restart Neo4j, then use shell commands in scripts, e.g., combining import-cypher with batch options. However, the need for manual restarts and version lock-in makes it less ideal for modern automation compared to Neo4j's native APIs.

neo4j-shell-tools

What is neo4j-shell-tools?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions