LDBC D3.3.1 Use case analysis and choke point analysis Coordinators: Alex Averbuch and Norbert Martinez.
From the introduction:
Due largely to the Web, an exponentially increasing amount of data is generated each year. Moreover, a significant fraction of this data is unstructured, or semi-structured at best. This has meant that traditional data models are becoming increasingly restrictive and unsuitable for many application domains – the relational model in particular has been criticized for its lack of semantics. These trends have driven development of alternative database technologies, including graph databases.
The proliferation of applications dealing with complex networks has resulted in an increasing number of graph database deployments. This, in turn, has created demand for a means by which to compare the characteristics of different graph database technologies, such as: performance, data model, query expressiveness, as well as general functional and non-functional capabilities.
To fairly compare these technologies it is essential to first have a thorough understanding of graph data models, graph operations, graph datasets, graph workloads, and the interactions between all of these. (emphasis added)
In this rather brief report, the LDBC (Linked Data Benchmark Council) gives a thumbnail sketch of the varieties of graphs, graph databases, graph query languages, along with some summary use cases. To their credit, unlike some graph vendors, they do understand what is meant by a hyperedge. (see p.8)
On the other hand, they retreat from the full generality of graph models to “directed attributed multigraphs,” before evaluating any of the graph alternatives. (also at p.8)
It may be a personal prejudice but I would prefer to see fuller development of use cases and requirements before restricting the solution space.
Particularly since new developments in graph theory and/or technology are a weekly if not daily occurrence.
Premature focus on “unsettled” technology could result in a benchmark for yesterday’s version of graph technology.
Interesting I suppose but not terribly useful.