1.
Native Graph Storage and Traversal
• Neo4j and ArangoDB are designed specifically to store and query graph data
efficiently.
• MongoDB is a document-oriented database, which doesn't offer native graph
storage.
2. Graph Query Languages
• Neo4j uses Cypher for expressive graph queries.
• ArangoDB supports AQL (ArangoDB Query Language) with graph traversal
support.
• MongoDB relies on a document query language, which isn't optimized for
complex graph traversals.
3. Relationship-Centric Model
• In Neo4j and ArangoDB, relationships are first-class citizens with properties.
• MongoDB represents relationships using references or embedded documents,
which can complicate multi-level relationship traversal.
4. Built-In Graph Algorithms
• Neo4j Graph Data Science Library: Offers graph algorithms like PageRank,
shortest path, centrality, and community detection.
• ArangoDB supports graph algorithms like shortest path, traversals, and similarity
calculations.
• MongoDB lacks built-in support for graph algorithms.
5. ACID Transactions Across Relationships
• Neo4j and ArangoDB provide ACID-compliant transactions across nodes and
edges.
• MongoDB provides ACID transactions but primarily within the context of a
document or across a limited set of documents.
6. Multi-Model Support (ArangoDB)
• ArangoDB supports multiple data models (key-value, document, and graph) in a
single database engine.
• MongoDB supports only document-oriented data storage.
7. Indexing for Graph Traversal
• Neo4j offers native graph indexes optimized for node and relationship lookups.
• ArangoDB offers specialized indexing for graphs.
• MongoDB indexing is optimized for document lookups and queries, not graph
traversals.
8. Pattern Matching Queries
• Neo4j supports advanced pattern matching for finding subgraphs.
• ArangoDB supports pattern matching through its traversal queries.
• MongoDB lacks native support for graph pattern matching.
9. Visualization Tools
• Neo4j: Offers tools like Neo4j Bloom for interactive graph visualization.
• ArangoDB: Provides built-in visualization options for graphs.
• MongoDB: Relies on third-party tools for visualization, but lacks graph-specific
visualization tools.
10. Scalability for Graph Operations
• Neo4j and ArangoDB optimize for horizontal and vertical scaling in graph
traversals.
• MongoDB scales well for document operations, but graph traversals can become
inefficient at scale.
Summary
Feature Neo4j ArangoDB MongoDB
Graph Query Language Cypher AQL (with graph) N/A
Feature Neo4j ArangoDB MongoDB
Graph Algorithms Extensive Moderate None
Native Graph Storage Yes Yes No
Pattern Matching Yes Yes No
Relationship Properties Yes Yes Limited
Visualization Tools Neo4j Bloom Built-in options Third-party
ACID Transactions Across relationships Across relationships Limited
Multi-Model Support No Yes No
In summary, Neo4j and ArangoDB are well-suited for graph-based applications, while
MongoDB excels at document-oriented use cases.
Comparison of Neo4j, ArangoDB, and MongoDB
This document compares the features of Neo4j, ArangoDB, and MongoDB with a focus on
graph-specific functionalities.
Feature Neo4j ArangoDB MongoDB
Graph Query Cypher AQL (with graph) N/A
Language
Graph Algorithms Extensive Moderate None
Native Graph Storage Yes Yes No
Pattern Matching Yes Yes No
Relationship Yes Yes Limited
Properties
Visualization Tools Neo4j Bloom Built-in options Third-party
ACID Transactions Across relationships Across relationships Limited
Multi-Model Support No Yes No
