# Cypher Query Language

> declarative graph query language for the Neo4j graph database

**Wikidata**: [Q16834355](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16834355)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypher_(query_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cypher-query-language

## Summary
Cypher Query Language (CQL) is a declarative graph query language specifically designed for the Neo4j graph database. It allows users to perform queries and updates on graph data structures using a syntax that focuses on *what* data to retrieve rather than *how* to retrieve it. The language is implemented in Java and operates on the Java virtual machine.

## Key Facts
*   **Instance Type:** Classified as both a Graph Query Language and a declarative programming language.
*   **Target Platform:** Designed for the Neo4j graph database and runs on the Java virtual machine.
*   **Implementation:** The language itself is written in Java.
*   **License:** Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
*   **Aliases:** Also known as CQL or simply "Cypher."
*   **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
*   **File Formats:** Utilizes the "Cypher query format" for both readable and writable file formats.
*   **Source Code:** Publicly available via GitHub at `https://github.com/neo4j/neo4j/`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cypher Query Language used for?
A: Cypher is used to query and manipulate data within the Neo4j graph database. As a declarative language, it allows developers to state what data they need from the graph rather than writing procedural code to find it.

### Q: What programming language is Cypher implemented in?
A: According to structured data references, Cypher is implemented using Java. It operates on the Java virtual machine.

### Q: Is Cypher an open-source language?
A: Yes, Cypher is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, though it maintains a copyrighted status.

## Why It Matters
Cypher Query Language holds significant importance in the field of database management as the primary interface for Neo4j, a leading graph database system. By utilizing a declarative programming model, it simplifies the complexity inherent in navigating graph relationships, allowing users to interact with connected data efficiently without managing low-level traversal logic.

The language's integration with the Java virtual machine ensures broad compatibility across different operating systems supported by Java. Its standardization under the GNU General Public License (version 3.0) provides transparency and accessibility for developers. The existence of a dedicated Stack Exchange tag further indicates an active, engaged community and technical ecosystem. As graph databases become increasingly vital for handling social networks, recommendation engines, and fraud detection, Cypher serves as a critical tool for defining and executing the queries that power these modern applications.

## Notable For
*   **Declarative Syntax:** Distinguishes itself from imperative languages by allowing users to describe the desired graph patterns rather than the algorithm to find them.
*   **Neo4j Integration:** Serves as the native, optimized query language for the Neo4j graph database.
*   **JVM Compatibility:** Built on Java technology, ensuring it runs on the widely-used Java virtual machine.
*   **Standardization:** It uses a specific file format ("Cypher query format") for reading and writing queries, ensuring consistency across implementations.

## Body
### Technical Classification
Cypher Query Language is formally classified as an instance of a **Graph Query Language** and a **declarative programming language**. Unlike imperative languages, where a user must write code to describe each step of an operation, Cypher allows the user to specify patterns in the graph data. It is designed specifically to interact with the **Neo4j graph database**.

### Implementation and Development
The language is implemented in **Java** and runs on the **Java virtual machine**. Development resources and source code are maintained in a public repository hosted on GitHub. The repository structure includes specific paths for the community version of Cypher (e.g., `3.1/community/cypher`). Official documentation and manuals are provided in English at `https://neo4j.com/docs/cypher-manual/current/`.

### Licensing and Rights
Cypher is released under the **GNU General Public License, version 3.0**. Despite this open licensing, the language retains its **copyrighted** status. The language supports specific input and output operations through the "Cypher query format" for both reading and writing data queries.

### Community and Identifiers
The language is frequently referred to by its alias, **CQL**. It has a dedicated tag on Stack Overflow (`https://stackoverflow.com/tags/cypher`), facilitating community support. It is tracked across multiple Wikipedia language editions, including German, English, French, Korean, Russian, and Uzbek. Its identifiers include a Freebase ID (`/m/0_frrg4`).

## References

1. GitHub