Neo4j Cypher Skill

This is a dense reference for writing and optimizing Cypher 25 queries in Neo4j 2025.x and 2026.x. It covers the full query surface: pattern matching, subqueries, quantified path expressions, vector and fulltext search, bulk writes with LOAD CSV, and the newer GQL conformance additions like INSERT, LET, and ACYCLIC. The schema-first protocol is smart, it pushes you to inspect before guessing labels or properties, which prevents the classic mistake of writing queries against imagined data models. Defaults are opinionated in a good way: LIMIT 25 on exploratory reads, MERGE only on constrained keys, directed relationships unless you truly need undirected. If you're doing anything beyond basic MATCH RETURN, especially around performance or newer Cypher features, this will save you from documentation diving.