In the previous lesson, you learned how to query data in an Aura database.
In this lesson, you will learn how to:
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Connect to your Aura instance using the integrated explore tool
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Explore and visualize your data without using Cypher
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Understand the differences between the Query Tool and the Explore Tool
Quick introduction
The Explore tool is a powerful interface for visualizing and exploring your graph data. It allows you to interact with your data in a more intuitive way, without needing to write Cypher queries. You can search for nodes and relationships, visualize them, and even edit the graph directly.
Before diving into the integrated Explore tool, note that you can also use Neo4j Bloom. You can connect to the instance using your credentials and conneciton URL and carry on from there.
Connecting
From the Aura console, either go to Instances and select the instance you want to connect to and use the Connect dropdown and select Explore, or directly to Explore and use the Connect button from there.
Before you do either, check that the data from the Import lesson has been loaded.
Explore
Once connected, you can start exploring your data without writing any Cypher. The UI consists of a searchbar, a scene where the results are visualized, and a legend panel. To get started:
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<click> in the searchbar
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<select> Person
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<select> Person name:value
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<select> Person name(equals):value
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<type> Tom Hanks
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<select> ACTED_IN
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<select> Movie
Use the Run button or press Ctrl+Enter to execute the search.
You may have to zoom in a bit before the details are shown.
Notice that your styling choices are kept between runs and can even be shared with other users, using the Perspectives feature.
Differences
The Explore tool is designed for users who may not be familiar with Cypher syntax or prefer a more visual approach to exploring their data. It provides several advantages over the Query Tool:
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No Cypher knowledge required: You can explore your data without needing to write Cypher queries (1).
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Visual exploration: You can interact with your data visually, making it easier to understand relationships and patterns.
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Editing capabilities: You can edit nodes and relationships directly in the graph view, without needing to write Cypher commands.
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Perspectives: You can create and share Perspectives, which are predefined views of your data that can include specific search phrases and styling options.
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Further exploration is possible from an initial set of results (via contextmenu on the nodes).
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Editing the graph is possible without knowing Cypher syntax (2).
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Customization is possible through the use of Perspectives and Scenes. This goes beyond mere styling and can include defined parametrized queries (3). Perspectives can be shared. This allows for a uniform experience in an organization.
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Whereas the Query tool is fit for maybe a few hundred nodes and relationships, Explore can easily manage thousands.
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The model has to be understood. You can explore the data knowing what the database holds and how it is organized.
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Security does apply. If the user’s role does not allow editing the database this step will not work. The user will be informed about that.
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Defining these queries (also known as search phrases) does require knowledge of Cypher syntax. As the Perspectives can be shared, not everybody needs to have that knowledge.
More information
The Explore tool is a powerful way to visualize and interact with your graph data.
For more information on how to use the Explore tool, you can refer to the [Neo4j Aura documentation](https://neo4j.com/docs/aura-user-guide/current/explore).
Check your understanding
Purpose of the explore tool
What is the purpose of the integrated explore tool in the Aura console?
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✓ The integrated explore tool aims at the business user that doesn’t understand the Cypher syntax but does know the underlying model of the data.
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❏ The integrated explore tool has no aim at all. It’s just eye candy showing bubbles and arrows to draw people in.
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❏ The integrated explore tool aims at the power users (developers, DBAs) that are willing to learn the Cypher syntax. It’s their tool of choice to interact with the database.
Hint
Think about who would benefit the most from a visual exploration tool that doesn’t require knowledge of Cypher.
Solution
The integrated explore tool aims at the business user that doesn’t understand the Cypher syntax but does know the underlying model of the data. It provides a visual interface for exploring the data without requiring knowledge of the query language.
Summary
=== In this lesson you learned how to use the integrated Explore tool in the Aura console to connect to your database instance, explore your data visually, and understand the differences between the Query Tool and the Explore Tool.
In the next lesson, you will explore the Dashboards tool to create visual representations of your data. ===