Neo4j Modern Cypher Query Guide

Production-grade guidance for Neo4j 5.x Cypher generation and migration. This skill is optimized for AI-assisted workflows and enterprise consistency.

When to Apply

Use this skill when tasks involve:

• Writing modern Cypher queries for Neo4j 5.x
• Migrating legacy Cypher to supported syntax
• Building nodes and relationships with deterministic MERGE patterns
• Generating Python scripts for Neo4j Desktop 2 data import
• Producing graph analysis queries and interpretation templates

Rule Categories by Priority

| Priority | Category | Impact | Prefix | | -------- | --------------------------- | -------- | -------------- | | 1 | Compatibility and Safety | CRITICAL | compat- | | 2 | Query Construction | HIGH | query- | | 3 | Read Patterns and Analytics | HIGH | read- | | 4 | Data Import Workflows | MEDIUM | import- | | 5 | Troubleshooting | MEDIUM | troubleshoot-|

Quick Reference

• rules/compat-deprecated-syntax.md
• rules/query-modern-construction.md
• rules/read-subqueries-and-qpp.md
• rules/import-desktop2-python.md
• rules/troubleshoot-common-errors.md

Required Output Standard

For migration requests, return:

1. Issue(s) - why the old query is invalid or risky
2. Modern Query (Neo4j 5.x) - ready-to-run Cypher
3. Rationale - concise explanation of key changes

For generation requests, return:

1. Cypher (parameterized where possible)
2. Validation Query (to verify imported graph)
3. Optional Performance Notes (PROFILE, indexing, null-safe sort)

Additional Resources

• Full compiled handbook: AGENTS.md
• Structure and contribution guide: README.md