Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Extending Neo4j
One of the benefits of using Neo4j is being able to extend the database through the use of Java-based plugins and
extensions. Neo4j plugins are the quickest and most reliable way to add or create additional capability for the REST
API and to add new functionality to your graph-based applications. Plugins can extend the functionality that already
exists within nodes and relationships and can do so while ensuring the integrity of upgrades to the database.
This chapter examines the process for creating a plugin development environment. It shows you how to
create your first plugin and how to build a security-based plugin using the Neo4j framework. Finally, it considers
unmanaged extensions, which can provide you finer-grained control, albeit at a cost to the performance of your Neo4j
server unless properly managed.
Plugin Development Environment for Neo4j
This section covers the basics of configuring a development environment to build out your first Neo4j plugin. If you
did not work through the installation steps in Chapter 2, please take a few minutes to review and walk through the
installation.
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To get started with the Cypher and follow along with the examples in this chapter, you will need to have a running
instance of Neo4j. To quickly setup a Neo4j server instance, go to
http://www.graphstory.com/practicalneo4j
.
You will be provided with your own trial instance, a knowledge base, and email support from Graph Story.
Note
IDE
Although it is possible to work through this chapter using another Java IDE, I recommend that you install Eclipse to
follow along with the specific examples.
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If you already configured Eclipse while working through another chapter, you can skip ahead to the
“Maven Plugin” section. If you do not have Eclipse, download the Version 3.7 Indigo package “Eclipse IDE for Java EE
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